LET’S SPUR ONE ANOTHER ON!

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

I began to value scripture memory after I started college. I was involved with the Navigators campus ministry and had friends who were memorizing scripture. One of the scriptures we memorized was Hebrews 10:19-25. At the time, these verses did not have much impact on my life. However, this year as I have begun to study the history of the church in the young adults Bible study, I came to appreciate the wisdom in these verses.

My original perception of the Early Church was that the believers loved each other with an unconditional love and had unparalleled unity. It must have been perfect. Unfortunately, here we are stuck in the 21st century. Frequently, members of the church are in a conflict. People have different leadership styles and disagree on doctrinal issues creating a growth-culture for dissension.

Even though the early church had many triumphs and times of faithfulness, it also had struggles. From the beginning, the church has never been perfect. For example, Paul asked Barnabas to accompany him on a journey. Barnabas wished to take John along, but Paul did not. The dispute ended by Paul and Barnabas taking separate routes. Despite this conflict, God remained faithful; and His church continued to grow.

I remember a missionary friend of ours once saying over dinner that it is not sinful to have disagreements, it is only sinful to deal with them in unbiblical ways. Learning to deal with conflict is vital because it is a normal part of living. From the beginning, Christians were encouraged not to abandon meeting together. During these times of fellowship, believers were taught to love one another and to do good works for God’s glory. Through our weaknesses and disappointments with the people we love, it is essential that we renew our commitment to the Lord and each other by worshipping together.

Being a peacemaker is always in the best interest of the entire body of Christ. It is vital that we, as believers, seek to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which members bear each other’s burdens, help others glory in their weaknesses, strengthen, forgive, challenge, and encourage others in the faith through the power of His Holy Spirit. Therefore, “²⁴. . . let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV).
—Sarah Lamkin

I TOLD YOU—I LOVE YOU

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Could I get one more mission trip out of my disintegrating fold-up toiletries kit? Such was the concern of “the flesh” when I agreed in early December to join a team of three friends going to India in January 2007, for a month. This item seemed indispensable to me because it was adaptable to all conditions, from the most primitive to the most modern. It was as the apostle Paul had said, “¹¹. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . .” Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Well, as long as I have my special 4-zippered-pockets, fold up, plastic-lined, pink and mauve fabric kit with the metal hanger on top . . . how silly! Of course, there are always alternatives, I told myself with a sigh of recognition—just another bit of evidence that I am really not very “spiritual” even after all these years walking and praying in the nations of the world for the Lord’s purposes to be fulfilled. Alas, my worn out fold-up kit ended up in the trash bin; and I busied myself with Christmas preparations. Our family was coming to celebrate Christmas together! What joy!

A few days before Christmas, a dear friend brought me a bag tied with a bright plaid ribbon. She said it was a Christmas gift from her daughter. Yes, inside was a kit exactly like my discarded one. This one looked almost new! There was also a matching smaller case with it! Praise the Lord—what a wonderful surprise! I did not realize that my friend’s daughter had listened to my story at a gathering in November when I had described the beloved ragged case in detail, along with my lack of success in finding a new one of any kind. She said nothing to me about the fact that she had the same kind of travel case, which formerly belonged to her aunt, stored away at home.

Does the same Lord whose LOVE is so great that He gave His own life on the cross in payment for my sin and the sin of all those who trust Him—does this God, even now, care about the smallest details of our lives and desire to bless us in the little things as well as the big things—the gifts of salvation and eternal life? Does He organize circumstances to help us understand this? What do you think?
—Diane Mugrage

THE ELECTRONIC PEARL

“⁴⁵‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.’” Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)

There was not one to be found anywhere. I even looked in Boston when on a business trip. We asked, “Would you like anything else for Christmas?” “Not really. That’s what I really want,” he said. “It’s pretty expensive for our Christmas budget,” I stated. He was undeterred and volunteered to pay some for it. So we kept checking and got a “hot tip” that units were due in the Thursday before Christmas at a store near us. My wife was second in line that day. The daily shipment arrived about four hours later—“Sorry, we didn’t get any today, maybe tomorrow,” she was told.

The next day she waited first in line. The manager’s records showed that a shipment of three units was due that day, and he even distributed tags to the first three in line and told the rest they could go. “Uh-oh,” he said an hour or so later, after looking at his e-mail. “It looks like the snow in the west has held up the truck.” The daily shipment came, and again there were no units. We were told that a Saturday delivery was not typical, but may happen at this time of year. So I was second in line on Saturday. A delivery took place, but there were no units that day either.

It was a letdown after that effort. We had to tell him he would not get it for Christmas. How I wanted to see his face light up when he saw it Christmas day. He took it better than we did and said he knew how diligently we tried.

I am so glad that the kingdom of heaven, that pearl of greatest price, has such undergirding strength that earthly searches for lesser pearls can be put in perspective. Certainly there are many earthly pearls more costly than an electronic one. They still pale in comparison to the peace, the joy, and the hope because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is worth all that we have.
—Steve Merrell

FALLEN

“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” Revelation 2:5 (ESV)

Losing devotion to Christ can happen to anyone. It usually happens gradually, as we become so involved with business, pleasure, or even wholesome activities, as well as responsibilities within the church, until worship of Christ becomes a mere formality. The charge in Revelation 2:5 is most serious, “Remember the height from which you have fallen!” Then twice we are told to repent. “Repent and do the things you did at first” (meaning: live as you did when you first knew the Lord); “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place,” (meaning: pass immediate judgment).

Fear can also be a barrier to devotion. When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a sudden, unexpected loss of employment, witnessing my daughter lying on North Bend Road after being struck by a passing car, falling 26 feet from a ladder and breaking my back, left elbow, and left wrist—calamity that confronted my very existence. Recognizing that the enemy would try to use these events to instill fear allowed me to stand firm in God’s power to overcome.

Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.

The book of Revelation is apocalyptic—a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. The verse, “Remember the height from which you have fallen!” has symbolic and quite literal meaning, both of which serve to remind me to take care not to forsake my “first love,” but to rest in the comfort of knowing that if I fall, God is faithful to rescue me. I need not be afraid.

In his book, The Ways of God, Dr. Charles Stanley writes that God’s ways are always perfect; and following them leads to fulfillment and success. One of life’s undeniable truths is that your choices will ultimately determine your future. While you can decide what career field to enter or whom to marry, nothing compares with choosing to seek God first, relying on the wonderful principles of His Word and giving total devotion to Him.

As you serve God, seek His ways, and worship Him, you will be blessed with peace, wisdom, and guidance for the journey ahead. Let nothing distract or distance you from your devotion to Christ.
—Tom Salzbrun

MOVING

“. . . Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I was born and raised in a tropical country. When our family received the documents to migrate here, we had mixed feelings of excitement, fear, and sadness. We were excited to be with my husband’s family, afraid of being in a new place, and sad to be leaving loved ones. Taken out of my comfort zone and now residing for almost five years where there are four seasons, I am still adjusting.

Some differences to which I had to adjust are as follows:

• It took me some time to learn to think of money in American terms. Sometimes items still seem expensive.
  
• We did not have a microwave oven.
  
• We find serving portions here large, while snack items seem to be as large as a meal.
  
• We were using the metric system of measurement.
  
• We were used to public transportation, having a housekeeper, and a slower-paced life where we had more time for building and fostering relationships.
  
• The gasoline stations were full service.
  
• Sometimes people here would laugh about something—but I did not get it.
  

These transitions remind me that I am a temporary dweller here, and my citizenship and permanent home are in heaven.

Once my family arrived here, we prayerfully and actively looked for a church where Christ is honored, His Word is preached, and we can belong. After seeking God’s guidance and regularly attending ECC, we finally decided to be members. We are blessed! :o)

After the newness has worn off, and we have settled in to our daily routines, there are still times when I cry; and God reminds me that He is near.

During this Lenten season, wherever life may take us or in whatever circumstances we are, let us take heart that Emmanuel—God with us—meets all our needs wherever in the world we find ourselves.
—Cybele Risma

APPRENTICES OF THE MASTER

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40 (ESV)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a disciple of Jesus? In several of his books, Dallas Willard appropriately used the word “apprentices” in place of “disciples.” This word, apprentice, in the fullness of its meaning, presented a clearer picture of what Jesus really meant when He told His disciples, “Follow Me.” For me, it became a fresh new look at Jesus.

I pictured myself watching Jesus as He might have worked as a carpenter. I saw Jesus cleansing the leper. I looked at the way He tenderly dealt with the woman with the issue of blood. I saw how He rose early in the morning and went out to a solitary place to pray, and then watched as He gently touched the children and blessed them.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1 (ESV) To be an apprentice is to be a student who observes, to be perfectly trained like his teacher. We are told to, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, . . .” Philippians 2:5 (ESV)

In the gospel of John, Jesus says, “³¹. . . ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³²and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31-32 (ESV) We will then BE His disciples or apprentices!

What is required to have the necessary motivation for apprenticeship? A person must believe that Jesus Christ is the most magnificent person who has ever lived, who sacrificed Himself on the cross, taking our place, and earnestly desire to be like Him, pleasing Him in every good work. The cost of apprenticeship is to want Jesus more than anything, and therefore to let the study and subsequent changes in your life reflect that truth. We do not drift into apprenticeship. Intention and decision are absolutely fundamental in this matter of becoming apprentices of Jesus. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

What a beautiful way to begin the preparation of our minds and hearts during Lent—to refocus our intent and daily endeavors toward the man Jesus and His every word that is directed to us.
—Ann Kintner

ONLY BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

“. . . no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” I Corinthians 12:3 (NIV)

During Lent, as our minds recall the historical fact of the crucifixion, our hearts are filled with faith, hope, and love. For the millions of Muslims we live among in the Middle East, the cross evokes two vastly different reactions. In the average Muslim’s mind, what we call the fact of the crucifixion is a fiction; for from birth they have been taught that the “Prophet” Jesus did not die on the cross. As for their hearts, the cross stirs feelings of fear, anger, and bitterness because it has been for centuries—and still is—the Christian symbol of war against Muslims.

You can imagine the human challenges of communicating the good news of the cross to Muslims who have such dire misunderstandings of its true meaning. Contemplating the cross actually encourages our faith in God’s precious sovereignty and grace. When a person from a Muslim background comprehends the cross and truly follows the Crucified One, we know it is not for human profit or popularity. It is because of a sovereign act of grace in his or her life, the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

As “we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews (and Muslims) and foolishness to Gentiles (and Americans),” I Corinthians 1:23 (NIV) let us remember and be encouraged by God’s part in evangelism this Easter. Only by the Holy Spirit can anyone from any background say, “Jesus is Lord”; only by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit can anyone from any background say, “He is risen.” He is risen indeed!
—JS, in the Middle East

TRIALS

“²Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3 (ESV)

As a caregiver and advocate for my mother, I have sometimes been tested on a daily basis with her health. To witness how dementia has taken the mother I once knew and left only the outward appearance of her has been, at times, very draining and sad. I have looked at her with very different eyes, praying that God would help me to love this new and different Mom, who at times I do not even recognize with her new personality, and conversation I cannot always identify.

I need to digress and share that, growing up as an only child, I was very close to both of my parents; but perhaps, being a woman, I had more in common with my mom. We were not only mother and daughter, but were friends as well. She was always there to applaud and cheer me on in whatever I was doing, whether it was singing at church as a young girl, cheerleading in high school, or performing in a school musical or community theatre. I could always count on her presence and support. Mom was not as outgoing as I am, I got that from Dad; but she was a good sport about letting me take her out of her comfort zone and experience new things now and then. However, some of the happiest times were when we just sat in the kitchen or on the front porch and talked about life, as she shared and taught me many values I hold dear today.

As she grew older, I knew that forgetfulness and loss of sight, hearing, and physical strength were typical signs of aging. In fact, many of us can see those in ourselves at times; so it was easy to dismiss it as aging gracefully. However, as time went on, I could see more signs of dementia fitting Mom’s condition. Many difficult decisions had to be made for her care. Whenever I needed help, the Lord provided. I had the prayers, encouragement, acts of kindness, and help of my husband, family, church, and community. In the past, I have not thought of patience as one of my gifts; but going through the daily care of Mom has certainly brought me the gift of patience beyond my understanding, and even a different kind of joy.

I pray this Lenten season, as you examine your life, you will be able to know God has a purpose in all things, and you can live out James 1:2-3 with grace, peace, and understanding.
—Judy Dirksen

PUTTING THE HAND TO THE PLOW

“²³Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

I am very aware that not everyone has the privilege of enjoying what they do for a living, so for some, the following may be a foreign concept. I am one of those unusual people who never minds coming to work on Monday. Returning from a week’s vacation is not a doom and gloom situation, because I actually enjoy my job while I am there.

However, my enjoyment from working at the church office does not come from the fact that it sits on a lush 30-acre facility with a sparkling lake, and one sees happy and friendly people. The truth is the 30 acres are not always lush, the lake does not always sparkle, and the people with whom you come in contact are not always happy and friendly. When one works for a church, one still has to meet deadlines, balance schedules, and meet with auditors. Work is still work.

Herein lies the difference: as I put my hand to the plow and things get overwhelming, rough, and complicated, I close my eyes for a moment and visualize that I actually am working directly for the Lord.

It is at those times I cry out to Him and say . . .

FOLLOWING JESUS

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” Luke 9:23 (ESV)

Traditionally, the church has recognized the root problem of man and has labeled it “original sin.” St. Augustine more specifically put his finger on it, calling it “selfishness.” We could just as well add “self-centeredness,” “self-righteousness,” “self-pity,” and a host of other “self-xxxx’s” to complete the picture.

Summed up, the result is “sIn,” wherein, by default, we simply want to do and to be what we want to do and to be. Frank Sinatra sang, “I did it my way”; and in the comics this is exemplified by Garfield. One need not expect any comic strip character to care what God wants. Neither should we expect the world to care. The pity is that most Christians do not either. So how are we better than Garfield or Ol’ Blue Eyes?

Are we supposed to be? After all, we are only human! Would that not make us “holier-than-thou”? The important thing is that we have an excuse or find a loophole to escape the radical re-ordering of our lives, so that we can continue to do and to be what we want to do and to be with a minimum of effort and no discomfort.

It is apparent that Jesus had a different opinion when He specifically addressed this issue in the text cited above. Not incidentally, His reference to “our cross” was a parallelism, not something different from self-denial. Crosses are to die on; and it is painful to face up to what we are versus what He wants us to become—and on a daily basis.

God knows the root of the problem . . . and the solution, namely, the blood of Jesus to set us free from the dominion and ravages of sIn, sin, Sin, SIN, and Satan, and to transfer us into the Kingdom of His Beloved Son. The requirement on our part is to decide we want His will done instead of our own (REPENTANCE) and daily renewal of this intention plus trusting in His sacrifice on the cross to set us free. God knows the way and has provided the way. What do I propose to do about His way?

Love in Jesus—just lovin’ Jesus.
—Bob Loreaux

MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN TODAY

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)

During the Christmas holidays, we had a young Japanese woman, Kazuyo Shimizu, staying in our home and participating in everything that we were doing, including serving at the Feast of Love on Christmas Day. She is one of my former fifth grade English as a Second Language students who spent only one year in Cincinnati before returning to Japan some years ago. Her story is a modern-day miracle.

When Kazuyo went back into the Japanese school system, the pressure became too great; and she began to suffer from an eating disorder. Eventually she became so weak that she was thinking it would be better to die than to keep living with anorexia. During her hospitalization, I kept in touch with her family; and we asked the youth at ECC to pray and sign cards for her.

Often I would send personal notes and small gifts to Kazuyo, telling her how much we loved and cared about her and that many friends were praying for her healing. As a Buddhist who did not like anything about religion, Kazuyo had no knowledge of Christianity. Her parents appreciated our unconditional love for their daughter but wondered how this could be. They decided to invite Dick and me to come to Japan to spend time with Kazuyo to encourage her recovery. We prayed to know in what ways we could be most helpful, and the answer came to accept the invitation. Our time with Kazuyo and her family seemed to be an answer to prayer. We felt as if we were planting seeds in their hearts and minds simply by showing them God’s love.

After Kazuyo had spent five years in hospitals and was still hospitalized, she and her parents sought to find a high school which would accept her on a part-time basis. The school they found was a Christian school, and this was another way the Lord blessed Kazuyo and her family. Each of them began to read the Bible but wondered how it could be true. They attended church services and learned to pray. Kazuyo’s anorexia continued; but when she chose to give her life to Christ and to depend on Him, eventually she recovered fully. Later her parents both accepted Jesus as their Savior, and her grandmother also became a Christian! Such a decision is a very difficult one in the Japanese culture.

Kazuyo is now studying at Liberty University in Virginia and is living proof that miracles can still happen today!
—Judy Rosene

THE VERDICT—FORGIVEN

“¹⁵The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: ¹⁶‘This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.’ ¹⁷Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’ ¹⁸And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.’” Hebrews 10:15-18 (NIV)

Let us presume for a moment that you become a defendant in a trial. You have violated a statute of the law. You ask, “What statute? What law?” The mandatory sentence for your violation—required by the law—is death! The lawyer representing you at trial is court-appointed. The trial ensues and slowly you begin to grasp the severity of your violation—your sin. There are no witnesses against you; but as the charges are read, you become acutely aware that you indeed have committed “the act”—or that you have failed to act.

At this point, it really does not matter. You know you are guilty of the charge. The trial soon draws to a close. There are no closing arguments—there is no need for them. The judge excuses the jury and your lawyer—they too are not needed. There are only you and the judge in the court room. There is only one thing left to do. The judge must impose the sentence. The only thing you can think to say is, “Your Honor, I am guilty as charged; and I ask for your mercy.” He lifts his gavel in preparation to conclude the trial. Swiftly he lowers the gavel and prepares to pronounce the sentence. As he does, you become overwhelmed with solemn emotions, brokenness, and guilt. You prepare to hear, “GUILTY.” Suddenly, the silence is broken by the deafening sound of the wooden gavel slamming against the gavel’s sound block on the judge’s bench; and unexpectedly, you hear, “FORGIVEN.”

You look in the direction of the judge’s bench, only to see him stepping down and reaching toward you with outstretched arms. In his embrace, he looks you directly in the eyes and exclaims, “Your sentence has already been fully and totally executed! My son has stood in your place to endure the consequences of your sin.” The execution method was an excruciating death after being mocked, flogged, and nailed to a cross. The judge calls your lawyer (your advocate) back into the courtroom and introduces him as his son—the one who has stood in your place. Both have often spoken fondly of you. Your advocate is ALIVE, and you are FORGIVEN!
—Pete Snyder

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN WAYNE

Romans 3:9-18.
“¹⁰as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; ¹¹no one understands; no one seeks for God.’” Romans 3:10-11 (ESV)

I grew up watching Westerns. I still enjoy the good guy/bad guy drama played out in the Wild West. Whether it was John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn chasing Ned Pepper or his growing concern as John Chisum about a corrupt land baron buying up the town, you knew a showdown was coming; and it would soon be time to “break out the Winchesters.”

I brought that same mindset to the gospel story. I remember seeing one of the Easter movies as a young boy. The story quickly became the good guys, Jesus and His disciples, and the bad guys, the chief priests and the Pharisees. A showdown was coming.

According to scripture, the breakdown of characters is profoundly different. Jesus is the good guy. There are no others—no, not one. When Jesus is delivered over to be crucified, the blame does not reside solely with the religious leaders who wanted Him killed. It lies with those who mourned His death, as well as those who mocked it. It lies with all of us. I am just as guilty as those who stood in the crowd and yelled, “Crucify Him!” I am just as responsible as the one who picked up the hammer and drove the nails.

The gospel message is not about hoping you are one of the good guys, but it is about knowing you are one of the bad guys and throwing yourself upon His grace.
—Dave Matre

JESUS IS OUR “GOEL”

Hebrews 2:11-18.
“¹⁴Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—¹⁵and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)

“Goel” is the Hebrew word for kinsman redeemer. What exactly is a kinsman redeemer? Remember the Biblical narrative of Naomi and Ruth. They were both widows having returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of their husbands. Alone, poor, and homeless, they needed help. Help came in the form of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. Boaz bought all the property that belonged to the husband and sons of Naomi. He then married Ruth to redeem the name and inheritance of the family of Elimelech.

The definition of “The Law of Kinsman Redeemer” is found in Leviticus 25:47-49. To fulfill the role of kinsman redeemer, one has to possess four qualities:

1. He must be a kinsman. He must be related to the one in debt.
   
2. He must be free of debt himself.
   
3. He must be able to pay the price.
   
4. He must be willing to pay the price.
   

After the rightful redeemer could not or would not pay the price, Boaz fulfilled all these qualities becoming the true kinsman redeemer.

As Boaz was the redeemer for Naomi and Ruth, so Christ is our kinsman redeemer. He became a kinsman by becoming a man. Only by being born as a man and taking on human form could He experience death for us. God’s son was free Himself of the debt of sin, for He knew no sin. Jesus was also able to pay our ransom price because, as an infinite holy God in flesh, He could die for us. Finally, He was willing to pay our ransom. He chose humiliation on the cross so that we no longer need to fear death (Ephesians 2:5-11).

This Lenten season, remember that we have a kinsman redeemer. Our debt is paid and our inheritance secure. Hallelujah!
—Mark Verhagen

ALL SHALL BE WELL

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Preparing for my senior essay in college, I found myself immersed in the writings of the great mystics. At any time, you might have found on my desk works by Margery Kempe, Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, and the desert fathers, among others. I even had the opportunity, while living in Britain, to visit the cell of fourteenth-century mystic Julian of Norwich. Lady Julian remained with me more than some of the others; and when I read Romans 8:28 in a Bible study this year, she instantly sprang to mind. Her most famous quote, “All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well,” echoes Paul’s declaration of all-encompassing goodness.

It is an audacious statement, “. . . in all things God works for the good . . . ” I have come face-to-face with much tragedy in the past year, in my life and in the lives of those close to me; and in moments of despair, I have been tempted to disregard the bold truth. For example, can I tell my 25-year-old friend, whose newlywed husband died in a car accident, that I believe God will work this to her benefit? Perhaps not.

Glibly quoting supposedly comforting scripture is usually not the best way to handle a loved one’s hardship. Nevertheless, as I have worked through my heartbreak, I have found that the truth of this promise lies in the definition of “good.” God works for good—good that results in my conforming to His image, not what looks good or feels good by my standards. Paul does not say we “feel that in all things . . .” or even that we “see that in all things . . .,” but that we “know.” Whatever is burdening me will most certainly make me more like Christ, and there is no greater good I could desire for myself.

There is much to say about the second half of this verse; it applies only to “. . . those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” We need to realize that what matters most is the cross. During times of great physical suffering, Lady Julian experienced intense visions of the Passion; and it is out of this intimacy with Christ that she is able to make her bold assertion that “all shall be well.” I pray that I might have the same confidence as Paul and Lady Julian, to view my struggles in the light of the cross and truly know that God has my good in mind.
—Christy Thomas

TO GOD WHO SITS ON THE THRONE

“⁹After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV)

During a time of private worship of God this past November, the Holy Spirit impressed on me that I place God on a pedestal and not a throne when I worship Him. I found it easy to ascribe to God the attributes He possesses, such as faithfulness and omnipotence; but my worship of God was like that of an admirer of fine art displayed on a pedestal, such as an ancient vase that is admired for its stunning beauty but not its functional purpose.

So it was, I realized, that I related to God in a similar way in my worship of Him. I admired His attributes but did not give Him the proper place in my mind—enthronement. Rather than gloriously situated on a pedestal, God gloriously rules from His throne. The difference is so clear.

From His throne God is the living God, active in the affairs of man. He is swift to act and care for all those who call upon His name that we might abide in His peace that surpasses understanding and see His mighty hand work out His will in our lives and in the world around us.

To God be the glory!
—Sue Brown

A PROMISE OF PRESENCE

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NIV)

Matthew records a message for us that Jesus gave before He returned to heaven. It is a promise that He will be with us until the end of the age. He even used the word, always. Always means forever. Always includes the best of times and the worst of times. What a promise!

Life for us may bring seasons of difficulty, anxiety, sorrow, happiness, joy, and delight. It is a comfort to know that, whatever we experience in this life or the next, He will be with us. This is a marvelous and comforting promise. As we, His children, have earthly adventures—good and bad, sorrowful and joyful—He is with us.

I remember that, as a young child at the dentist, holding my mother’s hand made the scary, painful experience much easier. True, it was painful; but as long as she was there, I was safe. As His child, I know that, even if He is with me, life may get painful; but if He is there, I am secure. He will use my experience for something good. Also, when I experience joy, He is there to share that joy with me. This is quite a promise.

Jesus experienced Calvary to make it so.
—Linda Johnson

PRAYER—PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

“. . . pray without ceasing . . .” I Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)

I remember when I was growing up, I thought of prayer as something you said; it was an activity. For instance, every time before I went to bed, I would say an Our Father.

When I became a believer when I was in college, I remember coming across this verse about praying always or praying unceasingly. I was perplexed because I thought to myself, “How does one say prayers all the time?” (I thought this would be especially difficult at night.)

Then one of my new Christian friends shared with me that prayer was not about an activity—it was about a relationship, a relationship with the living God of the universe. Prayer was not just speaking out loud, it involved talking with God, either out loud or silently.

It was this realization through the Holy Spirit that I saw

I Thessalonians 5:17 in a new light: I could be in constant prayer or conversation with God; I could talk with Him before a test; I could talk to Him while I was at work; I could be in conversation with God all the time through prayer.

A great book that God has used to shape me in prayer as far as having moment by moment fellowship with God is The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a monk in the fifteenth century who loved God deeply.
—Joe Bushelman, Campus Crusade for Christ

BEING OPEN TO GOD’S WILL

“. . .he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” Matthew 26:39 (NIV)

Have you ever not really wanted to do something, but that “something” just kept coming back at you—no matter how hard you tried to avoid it? That happened to me recently. My wife and I found it necessary to leave our church home of almost 30 years and search for a new church home. During those years, we had driven about eighteen miles each way to church, a real time consumer if you really want to be involved in all the activities of the church.

Having grown up in a neighborhood church, I thought this would be the opportunity for us to find a church home in our neighborhood. The first few visits to some of those churches were not too encouraging. We had heard about ECC; but there was that long drive again, and I did not want that! I realized a decision as important as this could not be just what I (we) wanted, but really needed to ask God for His guidance—where would He have us be? What was His will? I knew that, but at first did not want to ask. I had my own agenda. I knew we should visit ECC, and I was just hoping that I would feel the way I did after visiting the other churches near our home. It did not happen! ECC people were so friendly, the music was very good, and the preaching was applicable and useful. How great it was that God used friendly people, gifted musicians and singers, and a pastor with a real heart for preaching the inerrant Word of God to draw us to a new church home—despite my hopes not to travel so far to church!

Joyce and I appreciate the warm reception we have received at ECC and feel this is our church home. As we turned our decision over to the Lord and asked His guidance, it seems He used many of the people above to help us understand this is our place to be.

As we observe Lent, we can all be thankful that Jesus was always open to the Father’s will and faithful to His plans—not seeking His own agenda. He was not stubborn like me. He was obedient even to death on the cross, paying for my sins (and stubbornness). Praise God for His goodness and mercy to all and for His Son, our Savior!
—Jim Williamson

THE LIGHT OF THE WORD

“19And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, . . . 20knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21. . . but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” II Peter 1:19-21 (ESV)

Our observance of Lent as a preparatory time before the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord is truly counter-cultural. It seems that very few people in the world take note of these days in a meaningful way. Yet what a great opportunity we have to reflect on the work done on our behalf on the cross and the grace of God in His provision of redemption for us. This draws me to want to know Him more and to know how He wants me to live in this incredible relationship as His child.

Thus I am driven to His Word, and this past year has been a rich time of studying to prepare myself for the ministries He has put before me. It has invigorated me in a way I never would have expected. These verses in II Peter tell me why that is so. Peter has just finished telling his readers that he did not teach them from “cleverly devised myths” but that he was an eyewitness of Christ’s majesty. Jesus had appeared on the mountain to Peter, James, and John; and there the Father confirmed Jesus’ identity as His beloved Son, with whom He was well pleased. Even that experience (a true “mountain-top experience” if ever there was one!) was less important than the prophetic word made more sure.

Scripture is more reliable, more authoritative, and more permanent than any experience. In scripture, I am reminded of the depth of my depravity but also the unlimited height of His grace. I am reassured of His presence with me always. I am convicted of those things that I do that do not honor Him. I am told of His continual forgiveness when I confess those things. I am taught how to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Thus I am energized for the tasks He has set before me. Our world can be a dark place, but we have the light of God’s Word to guide us. Would it not be great to be known as “¹⁵. . . children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you (we) shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶holding fast to the word of life . . .”? Philippians 2:15-16a (ESV)

May God help us to be diligent students and doers of His Word (James 1:22).
—Colleen Grogan