Joy Unspeakable

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer." ~ Romans 12:12

From nowhere came the sound of an old-fashioned telephone, so authentic that Cooper scanned the Pizza Hut for an antique, something that wouldn't look out of place in an old movie.  Glancing at a man wearing a puzzled expression, the old cell phone was easy to spot.

It wasn't wafer thin like the popular models, but probably a mid-90’s Motorola clamshell device he’d only seen in pictures.  Sensing his stare, the old man looked up.

“Young man, are you any good with cell phones,” he asked somewhat embarrassed.  “I’m trying to open a picture message that my granddaughter just sent.”

Cooper approached him for a closer look.  “I’m afraid your phone doesn’t have ability to view photos,” he said holding back a chuckle that his mind enjoyed.

The man’s shoulders slumped exposing the sort of broken heartedness akin to ice-cream melting on a steamy highway.  He explained that the photo was of his granddaughter and her new baby.  She lived far enough away that he’d likely not see the child in person any time soon … if ever.

“The name’s Elmer,” he said, his lower lip quivering as words slowly made their way out of his mouth.  “Thank you for trying.”

Now the sadness shifted to Cooper’s eyes.  “Mind if I try something,” he asked.  With some difficulty and a few earnest prayers, he was able to forward the message to his own phone and eventually managed to open the picture.

At seeing great granddaughter for the first time, Elmer’s smile extended from his eyes deep into his soul.  Cooper could see his love for them both through teary eyes.

“I never realized the true meaning of joy,” the old man opined, “until our first child was born and I held her in my arms.  she learned to walk, went through school, got married, and had children of her own, my understanding of joy amplified tenfold."

He offered Cooper a $20 bill for his effort before returning to his booth.  Cooper refused the gesture but Elmer insisted.  So, he stashed the bill in his shirt pocket and left the restaurant.

Cooper returned several minutes later after printing the photo at a nearby Walgreens and placing it in an inexpensive frame.  Elmer was just cashing out when he handed him the framed photo.

This author’s words are powerless to adequately express Elmer’s gratitude.  Let’s just say he could hardly contain his happiness.

Every small thing in life is a moment able to nourish the soul if we let joy in.  Live with awe, humbleness, present in each moment and the gifts of life will fill you to the brim, so much that your joy will overflow and make better the lives of all around you.

Joyful Spirit, I pray that You fill me with the joy of the Lord, that overwhelming joy.  Your joy is unlike anything this world has to offer.  It brings peace, trust and hope and with that a rest because I know You’re in control.  Amen

Less Blessed?

“God chose you out of all the people on Earth as His personal treasure.” ~ Deuteronomy 14:2

Looking around the sanctuary, Madeline felt the familiar twinge of loneliness - a husband gently rubbed the shoulders of his pregnant wife, an engaged couple exchanged loving glances, a mother hushed her restless toddler.

I’m the only single person here, she thought to herself as she sat down.  A newly married woman met her eye from across the aisle and smiled.  Madeline detected a look of sympathy - a look that said, “Poor thing!”  On the edge of her 20s, being the only single person at church isn’t easy.

To some, you’re a problem that needs fixing, a source of sympathy for others.  Many try to pass on their own marriage formulas.  Still others (especially women) avoid you for fear that you might try and steal their husbands.

After years of singleness, Madeline no longer enjoyed socializing at church.  She opened her Bible and began hoping for something akin to a Divine revelation – mostly she was just killing time.  She read Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife receives favor from the Lord.”

Does that mean that I’m less blessed compared to those who are married? she wondered.  Maybe He only answers the prayers of those who are wed; only wants to bless the married.  Maybe I don’t measure up in His eyes.

Convinced that God wouldn’t really bless her until she was married and operating on a deeper spiritual level, Madeline felt her spiritual self-worth crumbling.  Little did she know the Lord was about to move her life in a special way.

She felt God speaking to her heart.  It came in the form of a simple question.  “How do you view yourself?”

Quickly she replied, “God, Your Word says I’m perfectly made.”

Still, the question rang louder; He wasn’t satisfied with her answer.  “Do you value yourself?”

Madeline wasn’t being honest.   Sure, she studied Scripture, but she believed her own distorted self-image more.  As panic began strangling her chest, she felt an indescribably sweet presence wash over her.  The incredible power of God’s unconditional love surrounded her like sunshine.

Diving deeper into His presence, Madeline surfaced with hidden gems.  In God’s eyes, the Ruler of time and creation, you are cherished.  The depth of His love is proven by the wounds in His palms.  Singleness cannot reverse that.  Yes, you too are blessed.  (Deuteronomy 14:2)

In Christ, we are loved, chosen, redeemed, forgiven, freed, sanctified, and promised an everlasting inheritance with all the riches, splendors, and character of our Savior.  For the glory of God, we are blessed.  May we all proclaim how truly sanctified we are as we experience Christ working more intensely in us, even through situations that don’t seem like blessings at all.

Lord, in our desire-driven culture, thank you for setting each of us apart.  Help us fulfill Your purpose by living our lives as chosen vessels of honor.  Remind singles that our Lord hasn’t forgotten them; but has chosen them as His special treasures.  Amen

Reflections

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; a blessing to be cherished.” ~ Proverbs 16:31

The morning was damp and dismal when Joan unlocked the door to her Aunt Florence’s house.  Aunt Flo left the house to Joan in her will, which was unexpected … yet touching.  She’d barely miss her deceased aunt though, since visits with Aunt Flo had been infrequent of late.

The home’s interior sat silent and even colder than the outside world, almost as if it were longing for its owner’s return.  It’d been some time since anyone had cared for the home.

After exploring the first floor, Joan climbed the stairs to an attic. Antiques crowded the stuffy space; the gems of times past, expressions of a life well lived.

As she scanned the clutter, a burst of sunlight broke through the grey clouds illuminating an ornate mirror in one corner; its pride and glory still intact.

Joan stepped closer, gazing at her own reflection.  Most people would do the same – looking for reassurance of their self-worth.  Sometimes however, the view had just the opposite effect.

Her eyes looked weary; her skin sagged.  The many and expensive anti-aging skin creams she’d collected over the last few years had been a total waste of money.

Her mirror face revealed a lifetime of pain.  Her hair was greying now; more age spots dotted her skin.  Her wrinkles were deeper, the enamel on her teeth was dulling.  She’d recently ordered a stronger pair of glasses and griped to God about it all.

"Why do our bodies start to wear out just when we finally learn how to live?" she questioned.

God, in His infinite patience and unconditional love, answered Joan immediately when a curious thought entered her consciousness.  "The car you drive isn't as valuable as the driver!"

Joan smiled at that.  She’d driven so many old, used cars in her life, each with their own, unique "personalities." They all had quirks, troubles, and problems.  Each one required patience and maintenance.  But they always got her where she was going.

Now that her body was starting to wear down, rattle, and backfire God was reminding Joan that she wasn't that body - she was the person behind the steering wheel.  She was the bright, shining soul within; an ageless, spirit.  And while her car wasn't going to last forever, the driver would.

Take good care of this body you drive around then.  Nurture it.  Keep it in good repair.  Make it last as long as you can.  But always remember it isn't you.  You’re the person behind the wheel; the loving soul within.  The image you see in the mirror was chosen for you by a God who’s very pleased with His creation, from the gray hairs on your head to the calluses on your feet.

Lord, help me to see the changes in my hair and the aging of my face, not as signs of my decline, but as the markers of growth, well-earned wisdom and a celebration of years spent walking with You.  Amen

Where's God Now?

“God’s people must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong." ~ 2 Timothy 2:24

Daniele started college with a roommate she hadn’t known before.  They became quick friends; it seemed their discussions never ended.  Rebecca said she was a “very spiritual person.”  She’d been to church a few times and “guessed she was a Christian.”

When Danielle revealed that Jesus Christ was the most important thing in her life, Rebecca appeared warmly supportive. “I think we’re kinda saying the same thing,” she reasoned.

Daniele silently disagreed.

Halfway through the semester the COVID pandemic forced the university to close down and empty the dorms.  When Daniele hadn’t heard from her roommate in several weeks, she sent a text message suggesting they reconnect on Zoom.  Only then did Daniele learn that her friend had lost both a grandfather and an uncle to the malicious virus.

In a brief, angry text, Rebecca said, “See – this is why I don’t and never have believed in your (expletive) god.  We didn’t deserve this.  I’m so bitter!”

Initially Daniele took the comments personally; an insult to her beliefs.  “How could my friend, someone I care deeply for, say such things, knowing my religious views?” she wondered.  Daniele had come to know God and trust His goodness despite, and often a result of, trials and adversities.  As she often did, she looked to His Word for guidance.

Paul suggested a “gentle, patient response.”  In the absence of faith, it’s almost impossible to develop trust when you’ve been beaten down.  In these situations, trying to make someone believe in God can have the opposite effect.

Her influence would be more powerful, not by what she intended to say, but how Rebecca would feel about the way Daniele listened.  Listening empathetically, Paul reasoned, was itself a witness.

She’d reach out and engage her friend in tolerant conversation; listening to her pain – sharing tears, grief and hope.  And when Rebecca’s anger (hopefully) subsides, she’ll be there for her.  Her witness will long be remembered.

People often question, “If God is a God of love why does He let people suffer?”  To be truthful, I don’t know.  I don’t know why children get cancer.  I don’t know why people suffer catastrophic trauma, why natural disasters happen, or why COVID is killing thousands of people?

One could argue that viruses are part of the natural world and in some way contribute to life, but this fails miserably when speaking to someone who’s lost a friend or loved one.  Father James Martin suggests that a better question for believers in times of suffering is: “Can you believe in a God that you don’t understand?”

If the mystery of suffering is therefore unanswerable, the answer even for nonbelievers may be found in the study of Jesus’ life on earth.

Lord God, it often takes painful circumstances to drive us to You.  Addiction, materialism, and other tragedies steal the hearts of those who need You most.  We pray for those unsaved; that You will be able to rip the bondage of what holds them back.  Amen

Bitter Sweet

"The revelation of the Cross turned my bitterness into sweetness." ~ Rev. Cesar Castellanos

60 YEARS IN THE FUTURE

Jacob’s Grampa was a man who made and kept friends with ease.  Generous natured, he always found the best in people; a better listener than a speaker.  He succeeded at everything he tried because he approached each with dedication, persistence and rigor.

He’s gone now, but Jacob remembered one of the last conversations they shared before his passing.  They’d studied about the virus that changed everything back in 2020 in his 6^th grade history class and wanted to get Grampa’s perspective.

"Wow.  That must’ve been horrible,” Jacob said.  “They told us the schools had closed and many parents lost their jobs.  People weren't allowed to visit each other, vacations got cancelled, stores shelves were empty, and thousands of people got very sick and died.”

"Well, that’s all true,” Grampa said.  “But to tell you the truth, I remember it differently ...”

“I remember quality time with my family - playing games with my sisters, fishing with Dad and baking bread with Mom.  We had movie night three nights a week; we were never too busy!”

“I remember taking long walks, breathing fresher air, and hearing sweeter bird calls.  We had time for simpler things.”

“I remember praying more passionately and consistently; thanking God for all we still had and the amazing people who worked hard to keep us supplied and healthy.”

Sensing Jacob was confused, Grampa changed tactics.

“Consider the sweetness of a chocolate bar,” Grampa continued.  “Its silky-smooth texture leaves you with an irresistible taste of heavenly bliss.  But cacao – the stuff that chocolate is made from is really quite bitter.  It takes a lot of processing – fermenting, drying, roasting, shelling, grinding, tempering and molding before it’s wrapped and ready to eat.”

Crises like depressions, wars and pandemics tend to mold us in similar ways.  The initial shock is scary and disappointing; even a little bitter.  But our faith is like the refining process of the cacao bean.  If handled properly – the result is sweet.”

“When things were back to more normal, I truly appreciated friends’ hugs.  When I entered a crowded restaurant, I thanked God for the smiling faces and boisterous voices.  I never again took for granted the spirit of worship at my church, the vast supplies of items at grocery stores, or the chance to hop in my car and visit a friend or a doctor’s office.”

“Those challenges helped me to pray more, love harder and really value the blessings that were so easily overlooked before that pandemic.”

Friends, remember how our children will remember these times.  Be in control of the memories they’re creating right now, so that through all the awful headlines and emotional stories they’ll read in future years, they can remember the happy times.

Dear Lord, bring smiles when bitterness intrudes, hugs when spirits sag, confidence where there’s doubt, comfort on difficult days, faith that we can believe, patience to accept the truth, and love to complete us.  Amen

The Rescue Business

“God frees us from the misery of darkness." ~ Colossians 1:13

Without warning, their apartment floor opened up and the building collapsed.  Everything went dark … until she woke to the frantic cry of her 2-year-old daughter.

Marta lay motionless; flat on her back.  They’d fallen into the basement, trapped by crumbling walls and tons of rubble.  A concrete panel inches above her kept the mother of six from standing.

"Mommy, I scared,” sobbed her daughter Gayany.  "I tirsty (thirsty) too!”

Fearing her own death, Marta promised Gayany, "No matter what, I'll be here for you!"  She reassured the girl with sweet Armenian lullabies and children’s prayers.

Barely within reach, Marta found a jar of blackberry jam that’d fallen to the basement.  She rationed that to her baby over the next few days until it was all gone.

The body can call on fat stores and eventually muscle protein.  But it can’t draw water from anything but external sources.

As the days passed, and Gayany's pleas for something thirst quenching became more intense.  Her mother remembered a program on TV about survival.  In toddlers, up to 90% of their bodies were made up of water, acting as a "natural storage" in cases of dehydration.  So she kept up her prayers and lullabies until she could no longer speak.

Losing track of time because of the unchanging darkness, Marta couldn’t recall how many days they’d been trapped under all the rubble.   But on the fifth day of their captivity, rescue workers opened a small hole that let in a shaft of light.

Moments later, frightened, hungry, and thirsty Mom crawled out from under the debris.  "My baby’s in there,” she cautioned, “please be careful not to hurt her!"

Mother and daughter were flown to Yerevan, Armenia's capital.  Gayany was placed in the ICU for five days, hooked up to IV fluids, but her blood was rich in protein and minerals.  She made a full recovery thanks to her mother’s promise to protect her.  Marta, also dangerously dehydrated, was given IV fluids and placed in a hyperbaric chamber of 100 percent, highly pressurized oxygen for treatment against exposure.

Later they’d learn that two earthquakes ravaged Armenia’s northwestern section killing 60,000 people, injuring another 130,00, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless or without basic supplies.  The two tremors, only minutes apart, measured 6.9 and 5.8 in magnitude and destroyed nearly half a million buildings.

Moms seem to have a natural instinct to protect their young.  But rescuing people is part of God’s nature.  From the moment Adam sinned, He rescued humanity from eternal separation from God’s blessings.

Some assume salvation is something God gives automatically in His sovereignty.  But ultimately, the Bible says He won’t impose His will unless we ask for His intervention.  It’s our job to take it.

Father, please rescue me.  Don't let the floods come over me; don't let me drown in the depths or sink into the grave.  Answer me, Lord, in the goodness of your constant love; in your great compassion turn to me!  (Psalm 69: 15-16)

Passion for the Poor

“If you want to follow Jesus, deny yourself, take up His cross, and follow Him." ~ Matthew 16:24

Eva set her basket of flowers down in the alley and wiped her hands on her tattered skirt.  Blisters scarred her feet from secondhand boots and her back ached from walking.  She hadn't sold many flowers today, but she wasn’t discouraged.

The young girl noticed a well-dressed man approaching.  Hiding her basket behind a barrel, Eva smeared soot on her face and stepped out in front of the gentleman.

"Please, sir.  Can you help me?" she wept.

"What is it?" he asked, trying to see her face beneath her bonnet.  Eva kept her head down, her shoulders trembling as she cried.

"Someone stole my flowers!" she sobbed.  "I won't have any money to take home to my family!"

Feeling sorry for this poor girl, the man reached into his pocket for some loose coins.

At this, Eva could no longer contain herself.  She laughed out loud, startling the confused man.

"Don't you recognize me?" she giggled.  "Have I fooled my own father?"

Surprised, he lifted her chin and looked closely.  Under all that dirt smudged from real tears was his own daughter, as happy as could be.  Her eyes twinkled as Eva explained how she’d been mingling with the poor girls in the city and sharing the love of Christ with them.  Then, retrieving her basket, she hurried off down the alley.

William Booth smiled at the memory as he watched Eva go.  Such spunk and passion!  Just like her mother!  What a joy to see their children joining in ministry.

William and Catherine Booth abandoned the conventional concept of a church and a pulpit, instead taking their message to the ‘unsaved’.  They opened soup kitchens, helped those addicted to alcohol, and cared for the needs of society's outcasts.  Most importantly, they were leading people to Christ!

Still, they had their share of opposition, from angry pub owners to established church leaders to school bullies.  Their ministry was very much like a battlefield at times.  Despite sometimes violent opposition, their circus tent ministry quickly grew into a huge organization.

They began using military terms to describe their activities.  Their newsletter told about a new "battery of artillery" and a developing "regiment."  They soon began wearing uniforms with badges and calling their volunteers an "army."  Converts became soldiers of Christ and were known then, as now, as Salvationists.  Eventually they became known as the "Salvation Army," a group that’s still active today.

Established in 1865, the Salvation Army still helps needy people today through Christmas kettles, thrift stores and sharing God's love around the world in 80 countries - all because William and Catherine Booth loved the unlovable, just as Jesus did!

Lord, strengthen my heart for what lies ahead today.  Make me eager to lend my hands to all who are in need.  Help me to relieve their pain, and may they soon be freed.  Hear my prayers and raise me up to closer with You be. (original Salvation Army Prayer)

Faith Without Works

“Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all." ~ James 2:17

Ted’s love affair with Corvettes began in the late 60’s.  He was working part time at his father’s Sinclair gas station.  Back then they were called Service Stations, since ‘Pump Jockeys’ ran to your car with a smile and pumped your gas for 24.9 cents a gallon.

While the gas was pumping, they’d wash your windows, check the air in your tires and check your oil; sometimes all for less than $2.  It was a great time to grow up in a small Midwestern town where muscle cars dominated the streets - Hemi Cudas, Z 28 Camaros and of course Corvettes.

One day while Ted was working in a repair bay, the bell rang, signaling that someone had pulled up needing gas.  He turned and saw a beautiful 1968 Corvette Stingray: 327, 350 hp.

It was love at first sight!  Ted was more taken by the curves of that shark body than the pretty blond woman driving it.

Noting his admiration for the car, she asked if Ted knew anyone looking to buy her Corvette.  For $2,500, Ted bought his first car before he even had a driver’s license.

While 1960s Corvettes impressed with power and speed, they often came up short in handling precision.  It took Ted but one time to figure that out.  Just because you’re driving a car that can go 130 mph; you probably shouldn’t - especially when approaching a sharp curve.

Luckily, he walked away from what many don't.  But the car was a mess.  And since he no longer had a license or the money to fix it, it sat idle in his parent’s driveway for a long time.

He’d sometimes sit outside in the Corvette pretending to be cruising until his Mom would call Ted back inside.  She said it looked pathetic and he was embarrassing her in front of the neighbors!

Nothing more than a lawn ornament - the look of Detroit muscle without any punch.  Much like what’s spoken of in James Chapter 2 - like faith without works, because the car was unable to perform its intended purpose.  It wasn’t meant to reside in the driveway, unable to move.  It was built for speed; to roar down the road and growl at stops.

So, it is with our faith.  Our faith is not an end unto itself.  Faith that doesn’t work is as useless as a car which can’t drive, a plane which cannot fly, or a ship which can’t sail.  James says that real faith works.  The deeds we do are the natural outgrowth of our faith.  If there are no deeds, no works of the flesh, then there is no real faith without action.

“Use my hands, use my feet to make Your kingdom come.  To the corners of the earth until Your work is done.  'Cause faith without works is dead and on the cross Your blood was shed.  So how could we not give it away so freely?”      (Leeland 2009)