Should I Let Go?

Sometimes we can get to a point where we just don't know what to do anymore. We've tried just about everything we can think of to make something work or to fix a certain situation but nothing seems to help. What do we do? Should we just give up? Should we just quit trying?

The answer to that question is a resounding "mmm-maybe". This week I have seen several examples of people struggling in situations where one of the options is to give up. It's the easiest thing to do. That's why so many people choose to do it. Marriage not working out like you want? Get a divorce! But is that the right thing to do?

I was speaking with a young adult friend of mine this week who is struggling in a relationship. Her boyfriend wasn't treating her like she thought he should be treated. She's tried praying and tried talking things out with him. Nothing seems to be working. What should she do? Is it time to move on?

Another friend has a rebellious adult daughter. Disobedient, disrespectful, time spent in jail. What should the mom do? Should she just give up or should she keep trying? Should she kick her daughter out of the house? Cave in the her daughter's wishes? What?

Another example is a couple who has been married for over a quarter century, Sudden cancer has gotten their attention. They have tried just about everything - prayer, chemo, radiation. What do they do now when the words "just let go" don't want to be an option at all?

These situations are tough, tough things. We humans really struggle when it comes to fixing these kinds of things. The prevailing thought in our culture today is cut your losses and move on. And sometimes that actually can be the right thing to do. But if something is worth everything, isn't it worth fighting for?

If I was in a major battle like the ones I've mentioned here today, I'd want the best weapons available and the strongest soldiers fighting for me. If I want to win I must be prepared to do whatever it takes. First, I'd start with prayer. All of these people I have mentioned have already been doing that. That's good. Having God guide us into battle is ALWAYS a good thing.

The second thing I'd do is get those experienced soldiers - the best doctors, seasoned Christian counselors, a support group, prayer partners, an accountability partner or that best friend you can just dump on if you have to. All those are important. Vital in fact.

But I think the most power weapon we have in ANY battle is a two-pronged one - hope and faith. Placing our hope and faith in God can get us through anything. God is merciful and compassionate. He can fix any situation He sets His mind to. But what if He doesn't decide to help?

The one thing we must remember is that this life we are living right now is only temporary. The  next one is the one that matters. What also matters is how we handle our struggling while we are here. Do we whine and complain? Maybe initially. But then do we ultimately put everything into God's hands and let Him take control of the situation? We might struggle to do that but that's what God wants us to do.

And although we might eventually have to let go in certain situations, know this: God will never let go of us. So when we struggle, when we have tried everything we can think of, when we no longer know what to do anymore. Give God thanks and praise for getting you as far as you've gotten. Thank Him for walking with you. Never let go of God for He will never let go of you.

^"6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

The Parable of The Tree Frog

Life lessons are available to be learned simply by opening our eyes to the world around us. Canadian geese for instance are a good example of marriage. One couple, mated for life, raising their children together for life in the cold, dangerous world. I learned something from a tree frog this week. It's essential for living a Christ-centered life.

When I first encountered my little friend I was removing a tarp from the tiny home I am building. There he was right under the tarp, sitting on top of one of the windows. He sat there motionless for some time then, as I began to work nearby, he slowly crept away until he hid himself under some leaves.

There was the life lesson. Did you catch it? Let me explain.

Consider the lesson from the frog's viewpoint. There he was, right where he wanted to be. All safe, secure, and out of sight from his enemies. He was probably sleeping when suddenly his whole world changed. Where once it was dark, now there was blinding light. His security was gone, replaced by a feeling of impending doom. He was in danger! So, what did he do?

He left his current location, seeking a much more secure one. He didn't stop until he found that place of safety. And that is our lesson for the day.

When we find ourselves in danger or in a situation where we feel we might sin against God, we should do the same thing the tree frog did. Leave. Leave the situation for a more secure location at the foot of the cross.

So many young people today find themselves in "situations". They feel trapped but they don't leave. They give in to the sin. A girl becomes pregnant or a young under-age boy takes a drink and then drives. What should we do in those real life dangerous situations?

One word. Run!!

"The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." - Proverbs 27:12

Run To You - Bryan Adams
Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd

Sheol

After someone dies we who remain are usually showered with a myriad of condolences, well-wishes and comforting words like, "She's in heaven now" or "He's in a better place now." Are we sure? Where DO we go when we die?

Every religion has their own beliefs and theories about life after death. Even the Christian faith has differing opinions, depending on your denomination. So what is true? Everyone can't be right. Let's go to the Bible to see what we can find.

There are three different beliefs within the Christian faith. GotQuestions.org describe these differing "camps" this way.

Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination.

Sheol is a Hebrew word used throughout the Old Testament. Sheol means "place of the dead." When the Old Testament texts were translated into Greek (200 BC) this word became Hades. It means "the place of the dead." That's where we go when we die - Sheol. Not heaven.

There also appears to be two parts to Sheol. Open your Bibles to Luke 16:22-23. The words of Jesus:

"22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.6 The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side." - Luke 16:22-23

We can tell quite a few things from this text. Lazarus is physically higher than the rich man, yet they are both in near proximity because they can see each other. There appear to be two "places" in Hades, one where there is torment and the other without torment. What determined their destinations in Sheol? Their faith.

Then there are these words from Jesus to the thief on the cross - the thief who believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Both were about to die and Jesus said this.

"Today you will be with me in paradise." - Luke 23:43

So, do we go to heaven when we die. The answer seems to be no. Is their indeed no more pain after death? That all depends upon our faith. How is your faith these days? None of us knows for sure where we will end up. That decision is in God's hands. We can say we believe but do we really? There is one thing we DO know however . . .

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

What Happens After Death - Got Questions.org

Be Intentional

There is an old saying that says "talk is cheap". What that means is that it's easy to SAY we are going to do something but it's an entirely different thing to actually DO it. An example of this is us Christians telling someone, "I'll pray for you" but then we never actually go through with it. We lie.

I have been guilty of this. I get busy with something else and totally forget to pray. It's not on purpose I just forget about it.And it's not just with prayer either. It's with lots of things. We get distracted and our mind becomes focused on something else

Squirrel!

I went downstairs to get a tool off my workbench the other day and found a glass of milk that I had left there the day before. I had gotten distracted, put down my glass of milk and the rest is history . . . and warm, smelly, chunky history.

Talk is cheap. Except where God is concerned. His "talk" is truth. When God says He is going to do something it is GOING to happen. Lying is not in His nature Neither is becoming distracted. God is focused. God is intentional. So why aren't we? We ARE His followers.

What if we became intentional in our daily activities? Do you think our lives would be more productive? More loving perhaps? I think so.

When my mom died recently the company I used to work for sent me a card. It was signed by the employees, many of whom are very close friends. One particular note caught my eye though. It said, "We love you." That's not a normal thing to say in a work environment yet that person was intentional about giving me the exact thing I needed at that time. Love.

May we face each day from now on with a new intentionality. Living for Christ. Like we mean it! Not only in word but in deed.

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." - Philippians 1:27

Intentional - Travis Greene

The Sacrifice of Family

Okay. Let's see. Where was I before leaving for my mother's burial? Well, I missed posting a story on Monday. Also, my laptop broke in half, but I rigged something up using an old CRT monitor - for just such an occasion as this! However the image on the screen is convulsing so this may be a really short story. LOL! AND near the end of today's story my computer actually died. Three hours later, I am coming to you from our basement using an old Windows XP computer. Had to download a new browser, delete all my cookies so . . . FINALLY, here it is.

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It is good to be home. All the miles my wife and I logged during this last week approached the 2,000 mile mark. :O But all the travel was well worth it for all of the love we received at my mom's funeral. The sacrifice of family touched our hearts.

I was doing pretty good that day - keeping my emotions in check pretty well - until all the people started showing up. Kari Lyn, a distant cousin, came from Southern Michigan. several hours in a car, leaving her parents behind whom she cares for.

Then I saw my cousin Jeff and his sister Cathi walk in. They had a longer drive - southeast Michigan and Ohio. Jeff saved my life when we were in our early teens. No big deal for him. Just helping someone out. It was a BIG deal for me, nearly drowning in the local swimming hole.

Then there was William, a strapping young man, the son of my cousin. William is in the army, stationed in Tennessee, but said he "had to drive home home for Aunt Jane." I think I gave him four hugs while he was there. We then honored his love for my mom by asking him to be one of the pall bearers.

But the one visit had us ALL teary-eyed and in shock was when William's sister Sarah came walking through the door. Her left leg was bandaged from the tip of her toe all the way up to her hip. She had just gotten out of the burn unit at a hospital a few hours earlier. The adhesive residue was still on her arm where the IV was and the identification bracelet was still on her wrist. She had been burned in a workplace accident by 300-400 degree grease.

My young cousin was in tremendous pain yet she came to pay her last respects to my mom and our family. She sacrificed her comfort to comfort others. Wow!

All these people attending my mother's funeral, sacrificing their time just to show how much my mom meant to them. What a wonderful way to demonstrate their love. It reminded me of when Jesus died. He sacrificed Himself that day to demonstrate His love for us. In turn, the disciples sacrificed THEIR lives for Him to proclaim the Gospel. Do we sacrifice OUR lives for Jesus to demonstrate our love for HIM?

I need to examine myself a little closer. Where do I come up lacking in MY sacrifice to others? Sarah's example of sacrifice and the sacrifice of all my family members, will forever be in my heart.

^"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another." - Romans 12:15-16

O The Blood - Gateway Worship

How You Love Me

This past Wednesday my 91-year old mother passed away. It was a sad day to be sure. My sister was devastated. My brother too. We all were. This was our mom! But God (two of my favorite words in The Bible), He comforted me in a most amazing way.

Compassion has a strong pull on the believer. When any of my friends or family members are hurting, I have a strong desire to go to them and just be with them. Offering kind or encouraging words is what we Christians do.

Throughout the days before my mom's death I received many messages and texts from my friends at work. They knew what was going on and had compassion on me, as I would for them. Unfortunately, they were a 45-minute drive away from me at work.

Several years ago my pastor saw me refusing to be thanked for something I had done for someone. He pulled me aside and told me, "It's okay to allow people to thank you. They want to do it. Just take their thanks as crowns and lay them at the feet of Jesus." He was right.

This sad situation of my mother's was the same thing. I knew there were people at work wanting to express their sadness to me for the loss of my mom. Deep, meaningful talks and hugs were waiting to occur but my friends and I were apart from one another. The next thing I knew I was in my car.

On my way to visit these friends I thought about these work relationships. So many unique and special people. Each one different, yet the same in their desire to show compassion.

Love is a two-way street. It can be a one-way street I guess but it's not nearly as meaningful. When I got to work the outpouring of love was amazing. It made me feel better and it made my friends feel better.

When we go through a tragedy in our lives or a struggle, we often want to retreat into our shell and be miserable all by ourselves. That is the opposite of what God wants us to do.

"2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

We are an emotional people. We live, we love, sometimes it can be difficult to express that love and to receive it. Let it happen. Make it happen. In doing so we will fulfill the law of Christ - to love one another.

You Love Me Anyway - Sidewalk Prophets

Tending The Garden

Do you ever get those gloomy days when you'd rather stay in bed? Every day, right? I had one of those days this past week. I was alone, it was cloudy and raining. I was feeling kind of depressed. So, what did I do? I wrote to a friend who always makes me smile. The next thing I knew I was smiling and feeling great!

Do you have people like that in your life? I sure hope so. They are a treasure! But those relationships can fade away and even disappear if we don't keep them alive.

Relationships are like plants in a garden. We plant seeds in the spring. That's an effort of hope and faith right there. And once the seeds sprout and a plant begins to grow, it needs some things. Nutrients from the soil, water and sunlight.

What makes our relationships grow? I think there has to be a healthy dose of love - some kind of bond. My wife has many friends but her closest friends she does stuff with. They'll go shopping of go out to eat. They keep their relationships alive by doing things together.

I recently retired from work but I still go back there. Why? Because I have relationships with the people there that I would like to keep alive and active. I love my friends and want to keep them in my life so I work at it. I water the garden. I try to spread love in THEIR lives and they do the same in mine.

God loves healthy relationships.

Sadly, my relationship with God sputters sometimes when I don't spend time with Him. I'll forget to pray or read and then I wonder why I'm feeling so depressed. It's because one of my most treasured relationships is dying. That's NOT a good thing.

As you go through this day, and you think about one of your friends, send them a message or give them a phone call. Let them know that you care about them and love them. That's the best way to keep your relationship garden alive and thriving.

The day before Jesus died guess what He did? He went for a walk with His friends in a garden. Before the fall guess what Adam and God were doing? Walking in a garden.

^"15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." - Genesis 2:15

If our friends and family are OUR garden, what would God have US do?

In The Garden - Alan Jackson

A New Day

I was up before the sun this morning. It's interesting watching our planet wake up. Everything is dark at first but then there is a hint of light in the dark sky overhead. The motionless leaves in the trees begin to move, slowly.  Everything coming to life.

It is exactly the opposite at the end of the day. And at the end of life. The light fades. Once-moving things slow, then stop. Then all is still.

My mother is in the next room, nearing the end of her battle with cancer. She is sleeping. Soon she will go the way of the wind in the trees at night. The setting of the sun.

There are blessings in death though. Relationships strengthen, people come together. Love, mercy and compassion abound. It's too bad it takes someone's death to bring us to life - living the life of love that God commanded us to live, always.

34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:24-25

This morning I am remembering another quote. This one is not from Jesus though. It is from Admiral James T Kirk from Star Trek. He said, "How we face death is at least as important as how we face life." Is that true? We only find out when we face death.

One thing I have noticed though. As we face the death of a loved one our level of compassion increases towards others. Grace increases. We are more willing to express love. Why does it take someone's death to have that happen?

Watching my sister, my wife and my niece tend to the needs of my dying mother has been a blessing. They are "facing death" with God's gifts of love, grace and mercy . . . "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14)

Each of us has one life to live. How will we live it? Will we live it in love? Or will we battle and fight our way through it. The choice is ours. Yours.

The sun is up now. A deer is walking across the backyard, nibbling the grass as she heads into the woods. It is the dawning of another day. How shall we live it?

A New Day Has Come - Celine Deon

The Parable of The Peony

Today's story is an example of how God works in our lives. Often unnoticed, especially in times of trouble and strife, God is right there with us. The blessings that God can shower upon us, although sometimes spectacular, are usually more subtle in nature. Yet they are just as amazing when we realize that God DOES care.

Before I can tell you this amazing God story, let me set the stage for it. Two of our family members are currently battling cancer - my mother and my brother-in-law. Needless to say our thoughts have been focused on them and our prayers have been sent to God on their behalf.

Cancer can be overwhelming. An uninvited guest, it rarely leaves when we want it to. We can become so focused on thinking and praying that we can miss God's reassurances when they appear right in front of us. Like this week at our house.

My wife came in, almost crying, from the front yard. "I can't believe it! I finally get a bud on my peony and the deer ate it! Everybody else's yard has peony's in bloom but not us. Nooo!"

She was REALLY upset. So, when she left to visit her dad in Milwaukee, I had an idea.

Several years ago I had noticed a random peony plant growing in the woods behind our house. Why it was where it was I didn't know. Until the other day. I grabbed a bucket and a shovel and started walking to where I remembered the plant was. And guess what . . . it was still there!

There were actually four peony plants hidden in the underbrush. So I began to dig one up. That's when I noticed the mushroom - a Morel mushroom. A rare delicacy. A Treasure!

After I got done transplanting the peony I returned for the mushroom. "That's weird," I thought. In our 30 years of living here I had never scene Morel mushrooms. And why was there just one? There had to be more so I looked. And there were. Yumm!

Do you think that God rewards us for our good deeds? I believe it to be true. So did King Solomon.

"The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself." - Proverbs 11:25

Do something for someone else today. It can be just a simple thing like giving someone a flower. My wife's reaction when she saw the peony in our yard was worth all the mosquito bites I received. God's reaction was unexpected too and much appreciated.

We will be blessed simply by helping someone else. So, what are we waiting for? The day is young and the opportunities are many. Let's go!

Happiness Is Helping Others

Truth Hurts

Sometimes, when we hear the truth, we don't like it. Why is that? I think it's because sometimes the truth doesn't coincide with the way we want things to be. Truth can be painful. But it can also "set us free".

When we first find out that a loved one has cancer for example, often the first word out of our mouths is "No!" Why? Because we don't want to hear it. We don't want it to be true. Our next thoughts then turn to "How can we fix that?" How can we change the truth? That's just part who we are. It comes naturally.

When cancer strikes a family member we seek out the best doctors, specialists and health care providers. We can place our hope in other human beings and our technology. Granted, sometimes they DO come through for us but often they do not. Then reality sets in.

Several hundred years ago a theologian wrote a book entitled "The Jews and Their Lies." That doesn't sound very P.C. Guess who wrote it. Martin Luther - the founder of Protestantism and the Lutheran faith. Was it the truth? Opinion?

The United Nations began as a good concept after World War II. It was intended to unite all of the nations on earth, together, in peace. Well, it didn't take long however for us humans to figure out a way to "work the system" to get what we wanted.

There is now a large block of nations within the U.N. who are anti-Israel. They seem to be constantly passing anti-Israeli resolutions, condemning Israel for things they actually didn't do. Why? Because they don't like Israel. To them "the only good Jew is a dead Jew."

Jesus was a Jew.

I saw this video the other day. Someone actually spoke the truth to this group of nations. It's interesting to watch the reaction of the various delegates as he delivers his message. They were hearing the truth but not believing.

Palestinian Speaks The Truth - UN Watch

Desiring to change the truth is NOT a bad thing. I can actually be a wonderful thing. But denying the truth at the expense of others can be quite evil.

There are many people who believe in God. Still others do not believe. Each people group wants to other to believe as they do. There is only one truth. Either God exists or He does not.

God has proven His existence to my satisfaction. Has He proven Himself in YOUR life? No? Have you asked Him to?

"42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” - John 8:42-47

Adaptable

I can never predict where the inspiration for my stories come from. Last time it came from friends. Today it came from one of my dad's screwdrivers. Yeah, I know. Weird. I don't question. I just write.

This screw driver, which I lovingly call Bumblebee, is wider than the average screwdriver. Why? Because it has storage for 12 different kinds of bits inside. It's adaptable for whatever kind of nuts or loose screws it comes across. And so should WE be.

The Apostle Paul was adaptable. He became "all things" to all people so he could share the Gospel with others, that they might receive it no matter who they were.

"19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

When I am having a conversation with someone that I don't know I will often ask questions of them. "So, tell me about your faith. What has your spiritual journey been like?"

Eventually, I will attain enough information about that person to ask them some better, more direct questions.

"Wow. It's tough when someone hurts you like that. Wouldn't it be great if people were more loving and truthful? Where do you find truth?"

Paul learned who his audience was and then adjusted his presentation of the Gospel to meet their needs. Do we do that? When we're talking with someone who is struggling do we tell them we will pray for them? Or do we put our arm around them and pray for them right then and there?

This world is short on love and way too long on trouble. We need to do more loving than talking. And by loving I mean caring. Investing in someone's life without thought of getting paid back. Do it! Why? Because Jesus did the same thing for us.

I encourage you to invest some of your time getting to know someone. Get to know someone. Give love. ANd give sacrificially. You will get so much more in return.

The following is a scene from one of my favorite movies. It is about a teacher who demonstrated that she cared for her students. In the video the teacher is about to receive in return what she so freely gave. Grab a Kleenex.

The best teachers are those who adapt their teaching style to suit the students in order that the students actually learn. If we just go through the motions in our relationships what good are we? Invest, adapt, change, succeed.

We were commanded to "spread the Gospel to all nations." Effectively, truthfully and in love. We must become the best of teachers. The kind that gains the respect of students and our Father in heaven. Then, and only then, can we best deliver God's message of love, grace and forgiveness.

Freedom Writers Best Scene

Desperate For You

There is an old Irish proverb that says, "God gave us two ears and one mouth so we ought to listen twice as much as we speak. I think that's true.

My Friday started out rather "normal."  I read 10 chapters in the Book of Psalms. David was an amazing guy. He was SO desperate for God. You can almost feel it in his words.

 "1 In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. 4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." - Psalm 25:1,4-5

That set the tone for my entire day when I went to visit some friends of mine. I listened as they opened up their hearts and allowed me to carry a portion of their burdens for a short time. Here's some of what they're going through.

Stress in the workplace, pending surgery, a stroke, medical concerns, an abnormal mammogram, awaiting test results, cancer, teenage suicide, more cancer, unemployment, a relationship falling apart, a mother and daughter estranged and a bad prognosis from some hopeful patients.

Everyone has their own way of coping with things. Some trust in doctors and science while others trust only in themselves. David placed his trust in God. He was so desperately clinging to his hope in God that nothing else mattered. Are we like that? I'm not. But I think we all should be.

That's the question of the day I guess. How desperate are we for God? Are we lost without Him? Is He the air we breathe? Do we live and breathe Christ as we walk through each day of our lives?

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me

And I, I'm desperate for You
And I, I'm lost without You
Oh Lord,… 

We are commanded to "love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength." What life event will it take before WE get desperate for God?

Breathe - Marie Barnett
Love The Lord - Lincoln Brewster