The Pilgrims Of Hope & Thanksgiving

Our nation has a rich and costly heritage. From the first foreign footsteps made on the coastal beaches of the Atlantic, to the far reaching shores of the Pacific, battles have been fought, lives have been lost and freedoms gained. Yet, in all of her discord, American continues to struggle with the same issues and balance among her national laws, local community practices, and individual freedom of beliefs as her original founding forefathers. I recently visited one of our nation’s oldest settlements in Williamsburg, VA. In doing some reading and researching I found some stark similarities between the colonist of the 1600’s to the current citizens of today’s Americans. For instances, although most colonists considered themselves Christians, it did not mean that they lived in a culture of religious unity. Instead, differing Christian groups often believed that their own practices and faiths provided unique values that needed protection against those who disagreed, driving a need for rules and regulation, so they sought to fight for their religious observances thereby making laws that mandated how they would govern their new colonies. Much of the order of things was brought on through much discord and disagreement. Yet even in the midst of such a great diversity, liberty prevailed giving birth to a new nation and America was destined for greatness because of it. Today, thousands upon thousands try both legally and illegally to enter her borders for much of the same reasons that the first pilgrims and Puritans did, long ago. For most of us, we have an enduring hope that while we may differ with each other on many levels, we share in the same hope that we may be able to live amongst each other in peace as we practice our own beliefs, be them political or religious ones. While there may be a dark horse that always appears in the horizon wherever freedom dwells, if we ban together, we can defeat it and continue to enjoy the fruit of our father’s labor. By autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims had much for which they were thankful for and found reason to celebrate in spite of their own hardships, differences and struggles. The Plymouth Pilgrims were simply celebrating their survival and the hopes they had of good fortune in the years that lay ahead of them. They did not base their hopes and dreams in their past circumstances, but in the future of what they believed they could accomplish together as they shared a common goal of freedom and liberty for all. We can expend so much of our energy complaining, blessing no one, left only with the bitter taste of regret and sorrow. Or, like our fore fathers, we can continue to work hard and make a difference in our homes, families and the world in which we live. The apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, to, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus”. Yes, even in hardships, disagreements and the dark horses that threaten our peace and way of life. It was hope and thanksgiving that kept the Pilgrims determined to persevere and that same hope remains the determining factor and drive for us today. Never give up! Never give up!

Hold Fast,

Bren

I'M TOO YOUNG TO BE THIS OLD

 

I am in my mid-fifties and I am already tired of this aging thing. The older I get, the more I relate to what George Burns once said, “At my age, flowers scare me”. A friend urged me the other day to invest in a stock that would triple its value every year. I told her at my age, I don’t even buy green bananas! My memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be! Don’t laugh, I bet you repeat yourself too, if, you are in the process of aging as well! I feel like life is passing me by and my check engine light stays on all the time now. They say that there are two signs of aging. The first is, you forget things…and I can’t remember the second! However, I don’t need anyone to remind me of my age these days because, I have a bladder that does that! I’m just too young to be this old and my body and society is making me feel even worst about it. We live in a world that places a premium on being and staying young. We will have tummy tucks, face lifts until our ears meet each other, fitness trainers and fad diets to prove it. We spare no expenses in our desperation to preserve our youth and avoid aging. Yet in spite of all the effort we make to keep our vigor, the reality is that eventually we all slow down. The older I get the more I believe that we would all do better to feed ourselves on a steady diet of the words and promises of God. For they can do in us what no face lift or fad diet could ever do to enable us not only to survive, but even thrive in spite of the aging of our bodies. Even the Apostle Paul, for example, had lost some of the spring in his step, yet the hope he had in Christ still allowed him to write: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" 2 Corinthians 4:16. When our steps get harder to take, we are encouraged not to grow weary or faint in our efforts and give up. Keep on keeping on. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will run and not be faint" Isaiah 40:30,31. The aging of our bodies accompanied by the slowing down of our strength and vigor have been a fact of life ever since Adam and Eve brought sin into the world by their rebellion against God. Because of their sin, Adam and Eve's bodies became mortal and the consequence of their sin was passed to every generation after them. Because we are mortal, we are subject to deterioration, disease, and finally death and decay. Since the cause of aging is ultimately found in sin, it is foolish to think that some kind of scientific wonder or medical miracle is going to unlock a secret to perpetual youth for us. There is only one remedy for aging, only one way to overcome the destructive effects of sin and that is through, Jesus Christ. Most often it is only during the dismal days of illness that we look back and realize how we had taken for granted the good health that we once had. And yet for some people sickness never subsides. It is always with them. Persistent illness can wear down even the strongest of people. While much of our health is determined and affected by a wide range of contributory factors from our environment, life situations, heredity and how we manage our personal lifestyle, we are still fighting a losing battle as we age. At best, we can enjoy a longer life if we take care of ourselves and the contributing factors are on our side. The worst thing that we can do is begin to compare ourselves to others and struggle with the age old question, “Why me God?”. The Gospel message is a message of hope not only in the hour of death but, it is far more than that. Jesus died in order that we may have life now, more abundantly. In Philippians 3:10 Paul says this, "... that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" Paul knew about aging and suffering, yet in spite of it all he found comfort in the gentle anticipation of his eternal life, in his own words he said, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better," Philippians 1:23

I googled aging with dignity the other day and 50,000 topics pulled up, I thought wow, looks like a lot of other folks are interested in this topic as well. Then I noticed something that they all had in common. They all ended with, “What are your last five wishes”?  I shut my computer down and said, I’m not ready to name them, yet! While I still think of myself as 18, my body, mind and patience have outgrown my way of thinking. Age is a funny thing. It’s funny how much attention you can draw to yourself no matter what your age. Last week our children and grandchildren ate dinner at a local restaurant and we learned real quick that the age of your children is a key factor in how quickly you get served. Our waiter came by our table and said, “Could I get you your check?”, we responded by saying, “How about getting a menu first?”.  Everyone ages over time, and eventually, everyone dies, it is the cycle of life. Benjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life, “death and taxes”. Jesus had answers to them both. In one of many attempts to plot against Jesus to discredit Him, the Pharisees sent some of their own disciples along with the Herodian’s to confront Jesus in a crowd of people in an effort to try and provoke an uproar over what Jesus would say concerning the taxes that the people were forced to pay to Caesar. Jesus rebuked them for their malice and responded with the most simple and profound answer to them by saying, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Jesus answered the concern over death when He told May and Martha upon the death of Lazarus, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" in John 11. And Martha, unable to rise to the full revelation that he was revealing, said, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world," That was as far as her faith could go, at that moment. But the moment that Lazarus appeared at the entrance of the tomb, everything changed. She would no longer simply believe that Jesus had come from God, but she would know that Jesus was God, that he had the power to overcome even death. It took the death of her precious brother to increase her reliance on Jesus. Sometimes, we ask God for healing when we may be needing something deeper that what we ask for. If you recall the story in Matthew 9 concerning the paralyzed man that was lowered down  through a thatched roof by his friends in order to get him to Jesus for healing. Once there, Jesus said to him, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven" Matthew 9:2. How disappointed the paralyzed man may have felt at that moment! He did not come asking forgiveness, but healing. The man knew what he wanted, but he didn't know what he needed. Jesus knew both his needs and his wants. And by granting forgiveness of sins first, Jesus showed the greater need for spiritual health. To prove his ability to meet all of his unseen spiritual needs, Jesus proceeded to then heal his body before all the people that were there. Even as God brought the greatest blessing of forgiveness for us all through the crucifixion of Christ, we can trust him to bring blessings for us from the least likely of places. Even sickness must serve God's purposes. He may use it to strengthen our reliance on him, sharpen our focus on heaven, or produce patience and perseverance in us. When the apostle Paul groaned repeatedly over his "thorn in the flesh," the Lord reassured him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9. Paul learned to rely more and more on the Lord's strength rather than his own, especially when he was at his weakest point. You, too can be confident that the Lord loves you consistently in your sickness and health. When Jesus doesn't grant us our immediate requests, we must humbly trust that he has even better things in mind for us. Isaiah 55:9 tells us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,’ declares the Lord”. I am learning that eventually, he will answer my prayers by personally wiping every tear from my eyes and making everything new Revelation 21:4-5. No longer will I suffer with my old tiring body any longer,   For even my body will finally be made whole without the effects of sickness or sin. Like the song says, “That day is coming, when wrong will be made right   Meanwhile trust His promise that, "I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11. May His will be done in your life and mine and may we stay as young as we can no matter how old we become.

Hold Fast,

Bren

 

When Desperation Calls

 

 Often times you will find that it is through mere drive and determination, not talent or pedigree that you have been able to find success and answers in your life. I heard a quote once that I will never forget, "Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he encountered and the courage he maintained in his struggle against it". Sometimes it seem like everything, is working against, our trying to find success and the help that we need in things. But not even a hint of failure can overtake us if our being determined to succeed, is strong enough and is found to be in the will of God. That reminds me of a woman in the Bible, whose faith was rewarded by her determination to have what she longed for, her health! In Mark chapter 5 her thoughts are revealed, "If I could just touch His clothes, I would be healed", that is what she told herself, this nameless bleeding woman who had traveled many miles, fueled by nothing but her faith. She had a bold plan. According to the Mosaic Law, a woman who was ceremonially unclean wasn't allowed to touch anyone, let alone the Son of God, yet desperation calls for desperate things. For 12 long years she had had this problem with loosing blood and it was causing her to be physically sick and even socially unacceptable. The Bibles says that the physicians of her time were unable to relieve her suffering. She spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she only grew worse. It was a daring plan but never the less, she was determined to make her way to the One that she believed could do for her what no other could. Her faith was born out of her desperation. Instead of making a show, our bleeding sister quietly "came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak" Mark 5:27. By law, her touch would have made Him unclean. By grace, just the opposite happened. "Immediately her bleeding stopped" Mark 5:29 says. Without a word, a look, or a touch from Jesus, she was made whole simply by believing He could heal her...and daring to act on that belief. As her faith was rewarded her, she wasn't the only one who noticed. Jesus turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" Mark 5:30. At that point she and Jesus both knew that it had happened, her faith had healed her. Wow, how that scripture illustrates how sensitive Jesus is to our needs, that just a touch in faith to His garment will get His attention for us! How her heart must have pounded as she heard Him say, "Who touched me?". When the disciples pointed out to Jesus that there were many in the crowded street and everyone was touching and grabbing Him, Jesus kept looking around to see who it was that had touched Him with that kind of faith! He wasn't looking to accuse but to affirm. The same faith that empowered her to stretch out her hand now, gave her the strength to step forward. She "fell at his feet and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth" Mark 5:33. She risked everything, public humiliation, and maybe even possible punishment for her actions to explain her confession of faith to Jesus. The true miracle in this story is about the faith she had, not what she did. Her determination was fueled by her faith. Her willingness to believe she could be well again, despite all evidence to the contrary, and do whatever it would take to get it. When she heard about the man Jesus, who'd healed many who had various diseases in Mark 1:34, she made a beeline for Capernaum to see Him. What is it, that you want from Jesus today? When was the last time that you longed to touch the hem of His garment because you knew that only He has what you must have to be better, to be whole, to be free ....whether it be physically, or spiritually? He will not disappoint you dear friend, but your faith will determine your answer. If you struggle with your faith; simply ask Him to help your weak faith and show you where your answer lies. And do everything in your power to trust Him!

Hold Fast,

Bren

 

 

TRYING TO BE LIKE SOMEONE ELSE

 

In my early years of being a Christian, I struggled with my finding approval from God. I had not yet understood that God approved of me because of Christ alone, who now resided inside of me. Nothing that I could do would make me more saved, loved, appreciated or accepted by God more than my simple confession of sins and turning away from my past, accepting the work of what Jesus did for me on the cross, committing my life and future to Him. As I did that, Christ came into my heart and life and made me all that I needed to be in order to be accepted by God the Father. Early on, I found myself looking around at other women whom I had much respect for (spiritually speaking) and trying to duplicate in myself what I saw in them. But what I soon found out in doing that was this: I was trying to duplicate someone else’ ideals and worship of God to define myself and quickly found out that it was just not working. I did not know at first that a personal relationship with God and my worship of and to Him was unique to my personality and where I was in my walk with the Him and His working in me.

I had to learn the importance of listening to what God was telling me to do and not try to duplicate in my life, what I saw in others. And by doing this, my worship became genuine and my duty and inspiration from God was to and from Him alone. I learned early on that I had best abandon anything that even had the faintest hint of a man-made expectation of who I should be in Christ. Philippians 2:13 tells me that it is God, who wills and works in me for His good purpose. I am not left to myself, but I have inside me the Holy Spirt of the Living God that aids me in everything, I now need. God is now working in me and because of that, I have an efficacious working power source, that I can now call on to help, when I am in need.  This is no hopeless task to which He has called me, no more night cries because I feel so hopeless in trying to change myself. No fruitless beatings of the air, nor idle effort in trying to change my ugly spots so to speak of the leopard, or the Ethiopian, to change the color of his skin as in Jeremiah 13:23. The Lord is working in me now, and He is mighty to save and change me. Whatever impulses I may feel, whatever goodwill in my efforts to serving Him. I now look upon it as a token of His presence and His readiness to help me in them. That is God working in me to will it and to do it, for He has no feeling but one  towards me, and that is of goodwill. Oh how that verse assures me that there is nothing lacking in me when I became God’s child and that I can be assured that He will change me through His power as I submit my will to Him and that good purpose.

Hold Fast,

Bren