Rating Sin in the House

It seems as Christians, we get into the habit of rating sinful behavior among the brethren. We may not say it outloud or think about it much, but I believe we do. We are quick to point our fingers at someone who abuses alcohol or drugs. We pray for them to be able to overcome this bondage with the help of Christ. Some are even quick to make the statment that a person that stuggles with this kind of addiction, must not be a "real" Christian because if they were the Lord would surely have given them victory over that sin. After all they are placing that alcohol or that drug before the Lord. It is an idolatry of sorts. This sort of scenerio could be played again regarding smoking or pornography. These are the "bad" sins. If one is to dare mention that overeating is in the same category as these sins, they risk being scoffed at. After all church activities are centered around food. All of our meetings, Bible studies and social activities are always partnered with food. "Who is bringing snack this week?" "Please bring a loaf of sandwiches and a pan of squares" "Next week is the pot luck!!". These are not bad things of course. We need to eat food and we certainly do that very well. We must remember that gluttony is also a sin along with alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, smoking, and yes, computer addiction. You don't have to be overweight to practice gluttony and you don't have to be a hermit to practice computer addiction but anything that takes the place of Jesus Christ as center in our lives is idolatry and it is wrong. No one or no thing should be in that place of honor.
As Christians we know that we have Christ that fills that Christ shaped empty space in our heart. But sometimes we choose to place other things in that space and sometimes that is an escape. If it becomes too frequent of a practice the Lord will begin to shake up our lives to let us know He is being ignored. Our God is a jealous god and deserves and desires first place in our lives.
If you are struggling with an addiction to any of the things I have mentioned, there is a wonderful solid course available to you. Check out www.settingcaptivesfree.com You won't be sorry you did!

This is Maggie!!

This is my little shih tzu puppy, Maggie. She came into our lives in March of this year and has been such a wonderful addition to our family!

Two Very Different Outcomes

Two deaths have occurred in our small community that have touched my life even though I really knew neither of them. The first gentleman was a friend of my husband's family. He was well known in the community as he used to own a gun and sporting store. So it was to a select group that he was familiar with. He was known to spend large amounts of money on "toys" and buy things for other people. He would throw a huge party in the summer for his friends and business associates. The menu would include steaks for everyone and all the alcohol one could drink. His health had deteriorated in the last 15 years with diabetes and heart disease. Over a year ago he had been in a coma following heart surgery and not expected to live. He had many "close calls" and came out of them eventually. This last time, he wasn't successful. I remember praying for this man when he was in the coma. He didn't know the Lord and I prayed that God would come to him and speak to him in this time of surrender. He lived his life in his own way on his own terms. Sadly, he died the same way. I found out today that the Lord was not in his life, even at the end. For that I am so sad and so angry at the same time. I believe the Lord gave him many opportunities in his life to recognize his need for Him. The man had "nine lives" it seemed. The Lord kept giving him another chance, another chance, another chance. Is there a point where the Lord knows that this heart will never soften and turns his head? I don't know. But Scripture does talk about the "hardening of hearts", and "giving them over to their lustful desires".

The other gentleman I had never met. He was 54 years old and also owned a business in a small neighboring community. He died in a tragic fall from a ladder. His son had the misfortune to be witness to his father's death. The death was sudden and totally unexpected. In contrast, the man loved the Lord. He comes from a heritage of believers and was very active in his church. He had been to Haiti last year on a mission trip to an orphanage that the church sponsors. It sounds like he was a caring and merciful soul. He didn't kn that his last day was his very last but he was ready nonetheless. The other man wasn't. He had no time for last thoughts. The other man did. Why did the first man not recognize the Lord in his life? The second man probably gave the glory to God for everything that happened in his life.

I'm not sure I understand but I guess it really is the gift of free will. We all have the opportunity in our lives to accept or reject the One that gave His life so we could live. The rejection of Christ is a death sentence. I weep for those who have gone to the grave with no knowledge of Him. The joy they missed in life is tragic, but even more tragic is the consequence of rejection. Eternity without God and that "one more opportunity for Christ" will never come again.

A Blessing

My job is one of the blessings of my life. I get to meet all kinds of people from every walk of life. Some visits stand out more than others and today was one of those Divine Appointments. I hadn't met this lady before but was told that she had a cancerous tumor in her liver in which chemotherapy nor radiation were an option. She is on the palliative program and is described as very accepting of her death. She has all of her arrangements made for her funeral, right up to the pictures that would be on display. She is in a very advanced stage of liver failure and it is obvious by her "yellow tanned look to her skin. The sclera (or the whites of her eyes) are yellow. Her emaciated body is even more accentuated by her protruding abdomen that is full of the poison that is destroying her life. But within this woman is a spark. There is a peace and a joy that goes beyond all human understanding. ("...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7) As the outside of her body is deteriorating, her spirit is growing into full maturity. She is becoming more and more like Christ. ("Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2Corinthians 4:16,17) Yes, she loves the Lord and it shows. She describes Christ as her Rock. The only One that she has ever been able to lean on at any time. I don't know much about her past but I'm sure she has a story to tell. Don't we all? Obviously God receives all the glory with her testimony.
In the one bedroom sits a boy/man. This is her son who has special needs. He is in his forties and she thanks God for him being there at this time in her life. He wears one of those key chain ribbons around his neck that says, "I love Jesus". His face lights up when someone speaks to him. She is her joy in life, that is obvious. His needs are all looked after for when she leaves this world. She says that he is extra "klingy" now because he does understand what is happening. But he knows that he will see Mom again in heaven.
She shares with me that she has eight grand-children and she would like to see them grow up, but that is not to be. She also speaks of wishing she would have been taken up when the Rapture comes, but doesn't feel that is to be either. I told her not to be so quick to make that statement! He could come at any time.
I'm sure that I will get to know this lady a little better over the next few weeks but she certainly was a blessing to me today.

My Unbelief

I'm reminded today about the story in Mark chapter 9 starting at verse 14. A man brings his son to Jesus. The boy is possessed by a spirit that prevents him from speaking. When the spirit "seizes" the boy it knocks him to the ground into a full grand mal seizure (by the Biblical description). This has been going on for years. The father shares that there have been times the spirit has thrown the boy into the water or fire to try and destroy him during these seizures. The father asks Jesus to remove this spirit, "if you can". Can you imagine how Jesus felt about that statement, "if you can". "Of course I can, I'm God incarnate, don't you know???? No, He didn't say that. But Jesus did say to him, "If you can? Everything is possible to the one who believes." (Mark 9:23). Of course the boy's father did believe but there was doubt. He cried out, "I do believe! Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24b).
How often I am like that boy's father. I say I believe and I even "feel like" I believe, but do I really believe that I believe? I hold on to the promise of God to save my unbelieving husband or to light the fire of God on my fence-sitting teenager, or to save the most unlikely of my co-workers. Deep down, do I believe there is a chance of any of this coming to fruition? I'm really not sure. If I were to truthfully admit it, I would say, I doubt. I have unbelief mixed in with my belief. I have encouraging Christian brothers and sisters that help me to stay on track. I have the "proof" of answered prayer in my past 10 years as a Christian, but I still doubt. In my doubt I can become cynical about the promises. I think I'm being realistic, but it can manifest as sarcasm.
I need to pray for the Lord to help me with my unbelief. He knows how we as humans struggle with the temporal. We see through the eyes of eternity, but sometimes we are a little too near sighted. God sees the fine Christian man my husband will one day be, I can't. He sees the on fire Christian my daughter will grow to be, I can't. He sees through prayer that His work will be accomplished in my "so far from God" co-workers. I'm just a a mere human and feel so finite. I feel so powerless most days, so inadequate. Lord help me with the unbelief that I carry each day. Help me to be obedient to Your call.

Foolishness

I have realized once again in the last couple of weeks just how different Christians are from the rest of the world. There are a couple of incidents that really stand out in my mind.
The other day I was watching 100 Huntley Street and Moira Brown was sharing about the death of her 46 year old brother died as a direct result of complications of alcoholism. She shared that it was unfortunate that her brother didn't allow Jesus to help him overcome his addiction. Just as she said that my husband walked into the room. He made some gesture that indicated he was disgusted with what was on television. I asked him to clarify what he was meaning and he just shared that he was "too intelligent" for that kind of thinking. I wanted to cry. I wanted to debate and argue, but I just kept quiet. I was sad for him mostly. After all this time, he still doesn't "get it" when it comes to Christian spirituality. He relys on "self" and only himself. The idea that you can give your burdens to the Lord is something so foreign to him. He thinks it is absurd I believe. I have to admit, when really thinking about things of the Lord in a secular mind, it has to sound crazy!
A second example comes in the form of a local message board from the local internet service provider. The thread of the posting started out debating the teaching of intelligent design in the school system. Most of the posters slammed the idea that the educational system would actually consider teaching such a thing. It made things sound like intelligent design borders on mythology. In this 21st Century of scientific advances even considering intelligent design seems to them to be insane. One poster stood firm on her faith. She shared the Gospel and her faith and a dabbling of her testimony. Many scoffed at her and some showed respect but they all pretty much rejected what she had to share. I admire her for standing firm. She is unashamed and I'm sure the Lord is smiling upon her.
I find it so sad that these unbelievers are so blinded and their hearts are so hardened to the Good News that Christ has for us.
I am reminded about the verse from 1Corinthians 1:18-21

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."

As a friend of mine says, we need to "Keep on keeping on". We need to live the Gospel in word and in deed. Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, speak.

Fear of Death

II attended another conference today on Palliative Care. The subtitle of the conference was: "Defining Hope". I learned some really good nuggets that will surely enhance how I care for those who are in the last chapter of their lives. We had two speakers. One was a hospice nurse from the States with an extensive expertise in the field. She has co-written a couple of books concerning "Near Death Experiences". She had some wonderful stories to tell. Each account of near death was that of joy, lights and peace. The impression was that everyone goes to a glorious place of peace and tranquility. Not once did she ever mention a negative experience. I know that not all is wonderful. Not all of the glorious experiences that she spoke of will end in an eternity of joy. Without Christ, there is no joy or peace in eternity. Without Christ in this life, we forfeit an eternity with our Creator, God. Many well-meaning caregivers embrace this teaching of a broad spirituality. This spirituality is more secular than what people really imagine. To depend on the "inner self" means no dependence on the One who is the life-giver of all. It is so sad how this type of teaching in the hospice/palliative care circles is in the forefront these days.
The second speaker was a social worker who also has his masters in theology from Harvard. His claim to fame is that he obtained his masters in theology without ever stepping foot inside a church. Hence, you can imagine what he had to say. Actually in all fairness, this man is quite brilliant. He has a heart for those who are near death and wants to help them come to terms with that. He actually is located at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and covers the pediatric caseload for home palliative care. He spoke about the fear or denial of death in our culture. We are a culture of curing people. This is so evident that in this last year, he only received six referrals from Sick Kids Hospital. 85 % of the children, who die, do so in intensive care at Sick Kids. They aren't prepared; they aren't at home, where they would probably want to be if they had their say. These poor parents aren't prepared either. They are led to believe, by the doctors that they are doing the right thing for their children. Death is looked upon as failure.
This man was very informative and I will certainly carry some of his wisdom to my patients, but there again the area of spirituality is so broad. I know we have to be culturally sensitive but I just find that things are so secular in most of health care. Palliative care to me belongs in the area of spiritual care. To guide people in the dying process and tying their loose ends up in life is a priority in hospice care. Helping them to search within and discover who they really are. If the questions about what their purpose has been in this world come up, I have no problem sharing my belief (when led). If they then "choose" to believe then that is their choice. But they need to know that they indeed have a choice.

Suffering

Suffering
By Mike Rule
Many people lay claims that people in the United States do not know what true suffering is because we have it so good compared to those in other countries where people are persecuted for their faith. While I understand where people are coming from, I struggle with these conclusions because they are all based in drawing comparisons and making judgments about circumstance. Man looks at the external, but God looks at the heart. The reality is that people EVERYWHERE are suffering, even here in the U.S. It is true that I have not been physically beaten for following Christ, but I have nonetheless suffered emotional torment at the hands of brothers and sisters who meant well but were clueless. Even more common are the internal struggles and suffering we all walk through, like depression, anxiety, relational trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, etc. One of the biggest tormentors among those in the U.S. and other developed countries is the question, why do I hurt so much when I have it so good? We struggle with guilt over having “illegitimate” pain.

Comparing suffering is like comparing abuse. To say that internal suffering is not really suffering is like saying that physical abuse is true abuse while emotional abuse is not. Abuse is abuse; suffering is suffering. As I walk with the Lord I see believers in America suffering horribly. Some at the hands of legalism, some at the hands of others, others at the hands of their own internal wounds or emotions, and still others at the hands of health problems. The vehicles to deliver pain are limitless. The issue is not the FORM of the suffering, but rather the purpose of it and what it produces in us.

What is God’s purpose in suffering? And we know we are going to get what's coming to us--an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with Him! That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. (Romans 8:17-18) God’s purpose is to form the image of Christ in us, and in order to do that He has to use suffering to destroy our pride. I was recently counseling with someone who has been struggling with years of chronic pain. The Lord made it evident that she was ready to be asked a question: “Sister, if it wasn’t for this pain in your life, what would it have taken to break your pride?” She pondered it a moment and responded, “The pain has been perfect, because without it I would never have been willing to let go of my image.” Her pain brought brokenness and freedom from the bondage of living to people. If a person is unprepared to handle that question, bitterness and resentment (all rooted in unbroken pride) against God and life develop. But when the ground is fertile and ready, the person sees God’s perfect plan through the suffering and is ready to receive it as tailor-made for his or her life. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be the First-born among many brothers. But whom He predestinated, these He also called; and whom He called, those He also justified. And whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)

In this world there will be suffering. We cannot escape it. Would we rather suffer with no purpose, or see God’s purpose in suffering and see it accomplish His goals? For me, I would rather see the purpose in it and let God have His way in me through it. I have learned I would rather yield to it and get through it as quickly as I can instead of fighting it and prolonging the agony. There is nothing that will ever come into the life of a child of God that is not first filtered through His fingers of love. Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which is to try you, as though a strange thing happened to you, but rejoice according as you are partakers of Christ's suffering, so that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13) Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and have Your way.

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Ecclesiastes

I had the opportunity of sharing a portion of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes with my mother today. It is titled appropriately, "A Time for Everything". It is a familiar passage in Christian circles often during a time of reflection.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)

As I reflect on those particular verses, I rejoice that God has a time and a place for everything under the sun. He is in control of my life. In that control, He has also given me free will. That free will is often discussed in the realms of salvation, but there is more to it than that according to these verses. My free will enables me to choose when and how I react. When I line my thoughts and actions up with the will of Christ, the timing of Christ falls into place. However, there are times when I fall and I fail. This is when my free will is only out to satisfy my own thoughts and desires. This is the free will that longs for revenge and self justification. When walking in the steps of Jesus, I have no longing for revenge or to defend myself. I stand in His promise and His grace. I'm thankful that when I do fall; when I do fail; He forgives me in my confession and repentance. He enables me to get back up again and begin again to train myself in His ways.