Dying, Yet Alive

 "It is not death to die, to leave this weary road

and join the saints who dwell on high

who've found their home with God.

It is not death to close the eyes long dimmed by tears

and wake in joy before Your throne

delivered from our fears."

Grandpapa ran from the shelter of the woods and his darling Kareling towards the burning cottage.  He knew his wife of so many years was there and he had to get to her.  The enemy had encircled their home that they had loved and lived in.  It was now a blazing fire.  Would she be hiding, waiting for him?  Would she still be alive or would the enemy had already gotten to her?  He was driven beyond the thought for his own safety and ran as fast as he could toward the glow of the buildings and the love of his life. 

The enemy was in a panic for the Kingdom had been advancing on them for some time now.  So in order to do something they headed north towards the small farm to wreck havoc.  It wasn't much to burn down an old cottage and farm but it made them feel like they were gaining ground nonetheless.  In reality, this small place was neither a grand victory or small defeat.  But the ignorance of the enemy knows no bounds and always thinks highly of itself.  So the victory cries were abundant until . . . . 

She came out of the shadows.  Grandmama had hoped with a little burning the enemy would go away.  But this was not to be.  And frankly, she was quite put out that they had come to pillage and destroy her home.  Grandmama had her sword of long ago.  She and her husband were known as the mighty warriors of the early wars and she wielded it like no other after her.  It felt good in her hands.  It was as if time were forgotten and she was young again.  That she was old was of no question.  She had shimmering white hair and wrinkled skin.  But in this moment, strength enter her body and her sword was light as a feather.  Something extraordinary happened as she moved forward.  With each new step towards what was surely her demise she grew more confident and ready to meet whatever came her way.  Grandmama was not afraid even though there were reasons to be.  Each step became larger and stronger.  Soon she would be upon the enemy and her fate would be sealed.  

Evil laughs at what they think is weak and small.  They underestimate most everything because they think so highly of themselves.  This was to be their undoing.  As grandmama came toward them there was a sense of unbelief.  Then the laughter started as they saw this small old woman come towards them.  Surely this aged woman wasn't going to try and fight them?  What foolishness!  So they sent the weakest link in to take care of her.  They could then go back to their camp and eat.  

"If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, 

how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

~ Romans 8:31-32

The image that grandpapa saw as he was running toward the flames was that of his dear wife of so many years vanquishing each foe that came toward her.  She stood as a warrior queen slaying each and every enemy that came in reach of her sword.  It was like a dance.  The dance of war setting to rights what is wrong.  With each enemy slain the onslaught became more fierce.  Not just one would come forward to fight but eventually by two's and then three's.  Before grandpapa was able to reach her the whole company descended upon grandmama.  Finally, the old man reached his beloved.  He held her and shielded her from the coming onslaught.  In that moment of death for the both of them they became alive.  Their earthly bodies, now cut through with the enemies tools of destruction, started to shine.  Though they had died in their fight against evil they became alive to a new reality.   

The enemy shrank back in fear for the glory of God shone through His servants.  They ran away.  Back to the darkness from whence they had come from.  Back to the emptiness of their pitiful lives.  The enemy did not understand what had just happened.  They didn't want to know.  But they were afraid.  

"It is not death to fling aside this earthly dust

 and rise with strong and noble wing to live among the just.

It is not death to hear the key unlock the door.

That sets us free from mortal years to praise you evermore."

There was gladness and joy for the old man and woman as they relinquished their lives to the Lord that they had loved and served all through the years.  The one glimmer of thought before they moved on was that of their beloved granddaughter.  Even that was just a minor thought as they trusted the Holy One to do what was right and good for her.  And then they escaped into the place that they had longed for all their lives.  Praise be to God.  They were home!

Kareling waited and waited in the tree top.  Each moment she would tell herself that her grandpa was coming.  And each second after that moment realizing it was not to be.  The darkness of night was fading and it was time to flee to the Kingdom.  Looking down she saw the one horse that was her favorite.  It was as if he was waiting for her, knowing that she would need him.  Slowly, she descended from the top of the massive tree.  As she came closer and closer to the mighty horse raised his head and lowered it as if to agree and encourage the young girl.  "Yes, keep coming.  I'm here.  We will fly as the wind to safety."  

Finally, reaching the horse, the  young frightened girl, hugged him with fierceness.  As tears streamed down her cheeks her new friend on four legs kneeled down so that his ride would be able to climb onto his back.  Kareling barely had time to twist her fingers and hands into the horse's mane.  He knew where to go and what to do.  Turning and giving his young charge time to adjust he walked two steps.  The walk turned into a trot and then a gallop.  Sensing that she was up to it he went faster and faster until Kareling couldn't even see as all was a blur.  She closed her eyes and held on.  It was a race to the gates of the Kingdom.

*In the fight for good against evil sometimes good will win.  Other times it looks like evil prevails.  I always have to remind myself that this is my Father's world.  The battle really belongs to the Lord.  We might be victorious in one battle but, then again, we could easily die in another.  The point is this:  It is our privilege to be a soldier for God.  His will is ultimate and our will should always submit to His.  So whether we live or die the glory and outcome belongs to the Savior of the world.  Always look to Him and trust that He holds all things in His hands.  

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones  or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."   ~ Colossians 1:15-17

 

Liar, Liar ~ Pants on Fire

"Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil

walks around like a roaring lion, 

seeking whom he may devour.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith,

knowing that the same sufferings

are experienced by

your brotherhood in the world."

~  1 Peter 5:8-9

He is a liar from the beginning.  Whispering in the ears of those who will listen and causing all kinds of pain and suffering.  I imagine him laughing at the tears of one who has lost something precious.  His whole intent is to cause heartache and despair and is never more happy than when he orchestrates the ruin of a life.  The tidal wave of his machinations are to be seen in every direction to where even the sky is filled with the smoke of hell.  It can cause hopelessness in the very strong of heart and bleed the weak dry.  

And yet . . . 

Where does fear come from and how does one battle against it?  For myself, I can become fearful when I see with my natural eye sorrow and suffering around me and experience hardships.  But, as a believer in the providence of God we are called to look beyond ourselves to something greater, bigger than any problem or experience that we see naturally.  In times of trouble this takes more will power than we are used to.  It isn't easy to stand up to the crowd who would cry, "Crucify Him" knowing that the possibility is that they would kill you too.  Much safer to stay at home, stay quiet, and maybe it will all go away.  

And yet . . . 

Be vigilant and watchful.  The evil one is very much alive and working.  Be aware and notice when evil is at work and do something.  Look on the circumstances with a sober judgment.  Call out injustice for what it is.   Don't be afraid of him (the devil) or any of the the plans he puts in place.  Your life is precious to the God who has saved you and nothing, NOTHING, can thwart God's plans for your life.  There is no virus, no groups of people, fires or debilitating smoke that can alter God's plan for his people.  You are part of an army called to move forward and not stand still.  Be an instrument of grace and mercy to those that are suffering even if that means you suffer too.  

Therefore . . .

Resist and stand firm against any ugliness you see or encounter.  Be wise as serpents but harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).   We are called to be cunning (in the good sense) and persuasive with our words and our life so that others will see and hear what is right and worthy*.   Stay strong and affirm the faith that you profess because it is He who goes before you making a way.  Do not be afraid!  The evil one is strong but our God is stronger.  No weapons that are formed against us can prosper even if it looks like it does.

And finally . . .

Realize that our Savior loves you with an everlasting love and will not allow anything to happen to you that is not in His plan for you.  There is no valley so deep or river so high that can withstand the love of God for his people.  Stand firm in the love of God and you will do well and be well.  

"And after you have suffered a little while, 

the God of all grace, who has called you 

to his eternal glory in Christ,

will himself restore, confirm,

strengthen, and establish you.

~ 1 Peter 10:10

Then, in the end, all the glory will be given to the One who is worthy of all praise.  

"To him be the dominion forever and ever.

Amen."

~ 1 Peter 10:11

*Of course I understand that everyone's opinions are different but I assume right to come the authority of the Bible 

Crazy Town

"Some trust in chariots

and some in horses;

but we will remember the name 
of the Lord our God."

~ Psalm 20:7

So many years ago we went to a little church in Camas, WA.  I remember our worship time being very boisterous and loud.  We had guitars, the bass, and drums.  We had Leslie playing on the organ that my parents had donated.  The pastor would often break one or more of the strings on his guitar.  And then my cousin, Jim, would be raising his arms as he led our little group in song.  One of those songs was the above verse put to music.  I haven't thought of that song for so many years and it's interesting that it has suddenly popped into my head these last few days.

The world has seemed to go crazy.  I have never in my life time seen shelves empty at the store or people told that they need to limit how many can gather together (and I'm an old person now, ya'll) and self-isolate.  But this is what is happening.  Some people are scared and some are being irrational.  We, as human beings, seemed to want to blame someone and if we could find that someone there would be a mob lynching. 

And yet it is also times like this that we can experience the best of humanity.  People helping people and sacrificing their own well being for the sake of others.   This is what I look for and this is what I want to be.  I don't want to be afraid of something unseen and yet I don't want to do something stupid.  When I think about what Christians did in the past I am humbled and a bit embarrassed by my own actions or lack thereof.  We have aged parents living next door to us and we don't want to endanger them at all.  But there is a nagging thought lingering, "What could or should I be doing in light of whom I profess to believe in?"  Do I trust in horses (government) or do I trust in the living God who rules and reigns over all?

The fact of the matter is this ~ the government is fighting over what is the right thing to do themselves.  I don't want anyone to die anymore than the next person but really what is the answer.  I'm just glad that I don't have to be the one where "the buck stops here" as far a governmental authority goes.  I do believe, though, as part of this nation I have a moral obligation to give of myself for the benefit of said nation.

This brings me back to what can I do.  Certainly pray.  If anything I believe Christians are praying more and more. And this is a good thing.   I can self-isolate, Dan can work from home, we have enough food and we can pay our bills.  But what of those that can't?  What do I say to the mother that if she doesn't work she won't be able to pay her bills much less feed her children?  It won't be long before she is out on the street and her problem is so much more than the illness that is affecting the some (and this multiply times how many that live paycheck to paycheck?).

"For by him all things were created, 

in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, 

whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities --

all things were created through him and for him.

And he is before all things, 

and in him all thing hold together."

Colossians 1:16-17

God help us to see beyond ourselves and do what is right even if it has a cost.  I think of the doctor and nurses (our daughter is a nurse) who work tirelessly and could become sick themselves.  I think of the grocery stores that are staying open and those that work in them so that we can have food.  Our daughter Lydia sent me a picture a couple of days ago with a picture of herself in a Walmart vest.  She has gone to work where work is had but she is also being a service to the community.  My son is in law enforcement and his wife is a 911 dispatcher.  I see them running towards the battle and not hiding away.  So many more I could comment on that are taking up the arms they can and fighting the battle where they are.  It could be that my battle IS staying at home so that I might not infect others if I'm a carrier.  If that is the case, what can I do from home to be a benefit to others?  

This is my little thought for the day.  Remember the name of our God for He holds ALL things together.  Don't walk in fear but be bold in serving Him.  Encourage each other daily and refuse to be motivated by fear and discouragement.  Be strong for we belong to a mighty God who daily gives us what we need to move forward.  Take that next step that is put before you knowing that you are not alone.  After all, if God can part the sea for the Israelites in the Old Testament what do you suppose He can and will do for you and through you?"

"What is your comfort in life and death?

That I am not my own, but belong body and soul,

in life and death, to my Savior Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood

and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.

He also watches over me in such a way 

that not a hair can fall from my head

without the will of my Father in heaven:

in fact, all things work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ,

by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life

and wholeheartedly willing and ready

from now on to live for Him."

~ Q and A 1.  from the Heidelberg Catechism

Boldy go where He leads you and He will give you the strength you need for this day!