You are probably surprised that I used the word ‘magic’ alongside a photo of my Bible. I would more often use terms like sacred and inspired. Read on to find the connection and to a prayer request at the end.
I saw this plaque in a shop: “Please and thank you are magic words.” Parents and teachers say this phrase to children to encourage them to speak politely. I believe that using courteous language sets a respectful tone in conversation and relationships, but I am noticing a decline in manners.
In communicating with two businesses recently, I failed to get a thank you, a reply, even an acknowledgement. My patronage of both businesses is substantial and long-term. In one case, I supplied important requested information and I asked for confirmation that it was received. In the other instance, a favor had been asked and with some personal effort I followed through, yet I received no acknowledgement to either communication. I know in life’s stresses and the pressures of our ever-changing society, things fall through the cracks. I suppose I should grant grace for that.
Similarly, last spring I contacted the motel where we have vacationed for the last 35 years. The ownership of the motel is transitioning to the next generation of the family, which is nice to see. My messages, however, were not returned although the matter was resolved. I guess I chalked that one up to younger owners with different communication styles.
After our wonderful July vacation, with attractive updates to the motel premises, I couldn’t find my Bible. I remember reading my Bible on the motel porch but since then, I have not been able to find it. I have searched the cars, at church, at a Bible study home and throughout our house. It is not turning up. Though I thought it unlikely, I contacted the motel and asked if my Bible had been found. Quickly, Brooke, one of the new owners responded that it had not been found but she offered to recheck on the weekend when the unit would be cleaned. She suggested that it could be in a drawer, although I didn’t recall ever storing it in one. After cleaning day, Brooke again emailed me that she had not found a Bible anywhere. I thanked her for checking so diligently, assured her that I have other Bibles to use, and kidded that I hoped wherever it was, someone was reading it! I also made “the most of the opportunity” by sharing that I write a blog based on Scripture (Ephesians 5:16).
My confidence in communication manners rallied after the exchange with Brooke. All of us can be mindful of staying courteous, using the magic words of “please” and “thank you” as frequently as we can, even at home, with our loved ones. (Sometimes family get the worst of us, don’t they?).
I had my Bible rebound and repaired in 2013.
For now, my Bible remains missing, and I miss it a lot! I have used this Bible for several decades. It is well-marked; I know its pages well. I speculate that I absentmindedly set it in the wrong place and that someday it will show up at the bottom of a sewing basket or the gadget drawer! Would you pray with me that I find my Bible soon? I would appreciate it – thank you. I will keep you posted.
“… if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, … if you seek it like silver and search for it as hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2: 1, 4-5. Important Postscript: I finished this draft last night, planning to post it sometime this weekend. This morning in church, I got a text that my Bible had been found and was at the Welcome Desk. It is wonderful to have it back – a real answer to prayer! Thank the Lord with me!! Scripture tells us to handle The Words rightly (2 Timothy 2:15), and apparently I need to handle my possessions rightly too!
When I posted my last blog entry entitled “Man and Machine” (July 16, 2022) on Facebook, I quipped that the post might keep one from “blowing it.” The pun suggested that readers might avoid life breakdowns by following the Owner’s Manual. The blog anecdote retold the experience of a salesclerk improperly operating a machine for blowing insulation, that my husband was preparing to rent. The machine shorted out and they wouldn’t rent the compromised equipment to him.
The ’34 Ford had flipped doors, compared to the way today’s car doors open.
As I have continued to mull over the idea of following recommended guidelines for peak performance, in this case God’s life directives to us in Scripture, I realized there is a flip side. The flip side is that one can overemphasize rule following. It’s not that there’s too much obeying, it’s about misunderstood outcomes. The intended result is out of alignment.
I have seen this in the workplace. I have seen colleagues overperforming, creating needless projects (extra work for themselves and others), spending all their waking hours immersed in their completion. Since work was good and important, completing more of it somehow made you a better person, they rationalized.
Or in personal dynamics, extra ‘doing’ can be compensation for past relational failures. Being super sweet now or extraordinarily helpful makes up for a bad or foolish action of the past, one hopes.
Even in Christian living you’ll see someone volunteering to do every ministry or attend every church event, sometimes to the neglect of other responsibilities. The heart may have good motives, but the head may not understand God’s purpose for ministry activity.
Having a strong work ethic, trying to restore a relationship, and doing ministry are all upright and important pursuits, but rule following for the sake of rule following leads nowhere. Just heeding the Manufacturer’s Instructions does not put your relationship with God into gear. Only faith in Jesus’ work on the cross for us, ignites the engine for a full life in Him. And once your life is energized through His mercy and grace for you, it will be a delight to adhere to the Owner’s Manual. “But because of God’s great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved,” Ephesians 2:5. “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands,” 1 John 3:3.
This is my husband’s hobby project, when he’s not blowing insulation or doing some other handyman job for us. I’ve always noticed the heart in the front grill.
My husband owned an insulation business after high school. There were many old houses where he lived, and most did not have modern insulation. With an insulation blowing machine, bales of insulating material can be blown into wall, ceiling, and attic spaces, providing a strong barrier against outside temperatures. He did this relatively easy job and made good money at the time.
In our new house, my husband realized that although our heat pump/AC is good quality and more than sufficient capacity for the square footage, extra insulation in the attic would take some pressure off the system, prevent AC and heat loss, and lower our electric bill. After a lot of legwork, he found the insulation, an insulation machine to rent and a guy to help in the attic. The plan was going along fine this spring until there were some complications with renting the machine. Week after week, turning into months, the machine was out for repairs, or we had scheduling conflicts. Summer arrived and the AC ran, plus the attic got VERY hot! But the plan came together, and he was finally set.
On the designated day, my husband went to pick up the insulation machine. He and the salesperson checked out the machine and turned it on for a test run. It seems the sales guy didn’t know how to properly operate the machine. Either an incompatible outlet or the wrong extension cord caused a surge or a short in the machine when they plugged it in. Smoke and sparks flew, and the machine cord was compromised. My husband insisted the machine would still be fine for him to use but the management insisted that the machine must go back to the repair shop. The project remains on hold for us, with about twenty bales of insulation stored in our garage!
This reminds me that there is always a proper way to do things. Equipment runs well when it is run correctly. Misuse results in breakdowns and damage. This is true in life too. Things go well when good choices are made and wise, safe practices are taken.
I see a strong emphasis in the Christian faith on God’s love and mercy lately. In reaction to the impression of criticism, legalism or negativity, Christian writers and pastors are focusing their words on God’s compassion and forgiveness. We should not underestimate the breadth of God’s great mercy and His willingness to forgive us and welcome us into salvation because of the gift of His Son’s work on the cross. That is completely true and cannot be forgotten. But Scripture also speaks much of following directions, living by God’s plan, obeying what God says.
Bales of insulation awaiting installation make a bike stand for now. John 14: 15- 21 explains that loving God means obeying God. The idea that if God loves us, He lets us do what we want, is not Scriptural.
Like the insulation machine, when operated according to the directions, the machine runs properly. When there’s misuse, the machine malfunctions! God created us and wrote our owner’s manual. From the pages of the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments and the lessons of the Israelites and the patriarchs of the faith, to the pages of the New Testament with Jesus’ confirmation and expansion of the commandments through epistles of instruction to believers in the church, we have the directions for how this life works. We cannot be fooled into depending on God’s love and mercy as an excuse for living by our own set of rules.
The longest chapter in the Bible (Psalm 119) is a poem all about the beauty and value of God’s laws: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32) Obedience to God’s commands results in freedom, safety and peak performance.
This photo says “America” to me. The white exterior could be a rural farm or ranch home, or an urban rowhouse or the classic suburban neighborhood. The fence could be split rail, aging wrought iron or picket. Red roses and the American flag are timeless across our nation, befitting any dwelling. I’m thankful for the US of A and its strong foundation: the Declaration of Independence defending “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all citizens, the Constitution, and a Bill of Rights guaranteeing many important freedoms. May our nation always hold fast to these ideals.
Happy Independence Day! Romans 13:1-5
Quilts speak Americana too, especially this red, white and blue one made by dear friend Robin Lathroum.
In the last entry of my “Hindsight is 20/20” trilogy, I leave you with thoughts that helped sustain me in the trials of that year. I wrote about the pandemic crisis and the racial uprising in parts one and two, and part three could have covered the contentious presidential campaign and election which completed the trifecta of trials in 2020, but I share, instead, words of strength and comfort from that year.
As I often encourage my blog readers, regular time spent reading the Bible grounds us. During the pandemic and shutdowns, I leaned into time in God’s Word for solace and direction. A couple of phrases from the Bible stood out to me at the time. One of them was portion – “the Lord is my portion.” It is found a couple of times in Scripture (Psalm 16:5, Psalm 73:26, Psalm 142:5, Lamentations 3:24). I don’t know the historical background of the word and its connotations, but I thought of portion as the serving size. We hear about portion control, not overeating but not starving ourselves either. I felt comfort in the idea that I could be sure God was my ‘enough.’ In a time of uncertainty and isolation, God was enough for me. He had promised me that and I felt hopeful.
Another phrase in Scripture that I came across was “hold fast.” It is not commonly used these days, but we know it to mean a tight grip or a strong bond like that of a good glue. Sometimes the Biblical phrase refers to how we are safely in God’s grip (Psalm 139:10). There’s a newer hymn entitled “He Will Hold Me Fast.” I had the sheet music and played it often on the piano. The lovely tune and meaningful lyrics representing concepts found in Scripture, brought me comfort and strength in the trials of 2020. God did hold us fast as we faced unfathomable changes from Covid and other upheavals in that stressful time. See the youtube link below for “He Will Hold Me Fast” performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty.
At church this past Sunday, the worship reading contained another “hold fast” Scripture. Hebrews 4:14 says, “Since we have a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” In this case, we are the subject encouraged to complete the action. We are directed to hold firmly to our profession of faith in Jesus.
Statement signs have become popular. I saw this one professing part of the Apostle’s Creed.
The year 2020 is far behind us, but the fallout lingers. As I stated in part one, I am sure hindsight is not 20/20 this time. There still isn’t agreement on what happened and what should have been done. I look back and rest on the full confidence that God held us fast in 2020 and that our role now is to hold fast onto Him in all things and at all times.
Part 2
In part 1 of “Hindsight is 20/20” I addressed the pandemic of 2020, but the year 2020 held more difficulty for us to process and the church to deal with. In May of 2020, suspect George Floyd died in police custody. A highly publicized video of the disturbing event set off protests that turned into violent, destructive, and deadly riots lasting for weeks across this country. Vocal and more highly publicized activists blamed the situation on racism and injustice. The outcry was for “social justice.”
Again, the church struggled to respond. Some Christians claimed that the Bible was all about social justice and that the Gospel was a message of racial reconciliation. My own church at the time quickly launched a five-week class on the issues, which became very controversial. I cannot claim to be an expert on these matters in Scripture but after a lot of listening and reading there are a few things about the Bible and social justice that I can confidently state.
The word justice (but not social justice) is frequently found in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is very often paired with the word righteousness. In Scripture, God clearly condemns dishonest scales and witnesses, unjust judges, bribery, and taking advantage of widows, orphans, and the poor. God’s Word also praises kings and leaders who treat people justly. But a closer look at the use of the word justice in Scripture reveals that usually the term is referring to the justice of God: the fact that disobeying His ways requires consequences. God’s justice demands a ‘payment’ for sin. The Gospel is not the idea of fixing human problems like racism: the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus’ death is the payment for sin, giving each of us access to full forgiveness and reconciliation to God! Much of this transparency was muddled in attempts to be sensitive to the unrest that was going on.
During that summer of the pandemic with its lockdowns and racial turmoil, I sat next to a young Black man on a flight. Through our masks, we exchanged small talk. I was heading home, and he was headed to DC for a commemoration of the MLK “I Have a Dream” speech. Despite our differences in race, age and gender, the conversation was respectful and friendly, a vast contrast to the narrative of hostility and inequality that was being pronounced everywhere. These positive encounters, sadly, are not highly publicized.
I continue to see regular displays of diverse folks getting along, even in a Southern town where prejudices may have once run deep. I’ve noticed the older white man insisting on lifting a case of bottled water for a Black woman, though the Costco employee was also ready to help. In a busy medical waiting room, I heard the white receptionist mispronounce an African American name and then further mistake another African American for her relative, but she felt no offense, only smiled and returned to her smartphone. On the other side of the lobby a woman of color was knitting and eventually gathered a circle of white ladies interested in her project. I overheard part of the conversation, chimed in and she gave me her business card. So, it seems to me that hindsight is not black and white either.
Of course, racial problems exist. The human heart is not pure and easily tends toward animosity, but our hearts also have an awareness of what is good. While the tragic was sensationalized in the George Floyd case, the norm in this nation is often good and fair. We can thank God for that and continue to pray for and act with understanding. The Gospel transforms hearts, which is the ultimate answer.
To close, here are two Scriptures describing the equality of the Gospel on earth and in heaven. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28, and “After 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 before the Lamb (Christ),” Revelation 7:9.
Part 1
Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me. Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020! It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually. Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places: stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship. Government orders prohibited assembling. Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.
The church, too, struggled to respond. In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry. Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome. Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit. My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required. A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases. “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained. What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23! Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.
In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25). In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.” According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance. It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.
If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond? That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture. The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2). It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws. Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized. I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case. Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not. I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Answers await us in eternity.
In part 1 of “Hindsight is 20/20” I addressed the pandemic of 2020, but the year 2020 held more difficulty for us to process and the church to deal with. In May of 2020, suspect George Floyd died in police custody. A highly publicized video of the disturbing event set off protests that turned into violent, destructive, and deadly riots lasting for weeks across this country. Vocal and more highly publicized activists blamed the situation on racism and injustice. The outcry was for “social justice.”
Again, the church struggled to respond. Some Christians claimed that the Bible was all about social justice and that the Gospel was a message of racial reconciliation. My own church at the time quickly launched a five-week class on the issues, which became very controversial. I cannot claim to be an expert on these matters in Scripture but after a lot of listening and reading there are a few things about the Bible and social justice that I can confidently state.
The word justice (but not social justice) is frequently found in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is very often paired with the word righteousness. In Scripture, God clearly condemns dishonest scales and witnesses, unjust judges, bribery, and taking advantage of widows, orphans, and the poor. God’s Word also praises kings and leaders who treat people justly. But a closer look at the use of the word justice in Scripture reveals that usually the term is referring to the justice of God: the fact that disobeying His ways requires consequences. God’s justice demands a ‘payment’ for sin. The Gospel is not the idea of fixing human problems like racism: the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus’ death is the payment for sin, giving each of us access to full forgiveness and reconciliation to God! Much of this transparency was muddled in attempts to be sensitive to the unrest that was going on.
During that summer of the pandemic with its lockdowns and racial turmoil, I sat next to a young Black man on a flight. Through our masks, we exchanged small talk. I was heading home, and he was headed to DC for a commemoration of the MLK “I Have a Dream” speech. Despite our differences in race, age and gender, the conversation was respectful and friendly, a vast contrast to the narrative of hostility and inequality that was being pronounced everywhere. These positive encounters, sadly, are not highly publicized.
A knitter, wearing one her creations, shares other knitting project photos from her phone.
I continue to see regular displays of diverse folks getting along, even in a Southern town where prejudices may have once run deep. I’ve noticed the older white man insisting on lifting a case of bottled water for a Black woman, though the Costco employee was also ready to help. In a busy medical waiting room, I heard the white receptionist mispronounce an African American name and then further mistake another African American for her relative, but she felt no offense, only smiled and returned to her smartphone. On the other side of the lobby a woman of color was knitting and eventually gathered a circle of white ladies interested in her project. I overheard part of the conversation, chimed in and she gave me her business card. So, it seems to me that hindsight is not black and white either.
Of course, racial problems exist. The human heart is not pure and easily tends toward animosity, but our hearts also have an awareness of what is good. While the tragic was sensationalized in the George Floyd case, the norm in this nation is often good and fair. We can thank God for that and continue to pray for and act with understanding. The Gospel transforms hearts, which is the ultimate answer.
To close, here are two Scriptures describing the equality of the Gospel on earth and in heaven. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28, and “After 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 before the Lamb (Christ),” Revelation 7:9.
Fearrington farm in the piedmont of North Carolina features black and white belted beef cattle. For fun, they added matching chickens and goats!
Part 1
Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me. Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020! It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually. Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places: stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship. Government orders prohibited assembling. Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.
On a boat ride in late summer of 2019, I couldn’t foresee the coming changes in the school year ahead and in our whole way of life!
The church, too, struggled to respond. In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry. Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome. Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit. My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required. A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases. “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained. What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23! Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.
In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25). In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.” According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance. It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.
If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond? That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture. The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2). It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws. Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized. I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case. Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not. I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Answers await us in eternity.
While on one of our many recent road trips, we stopped for a break and meal. Across the dining area from us sat a pair at a table for two. They were seated in front of a window, facing each other, which highlighted their nearly identical profiles. It was easy to tell that a mother and her grown son were sharing lunch together.
Their obvious family resemblance brought to my mind one of Amy Grant’s earliest hits, “My Father’s Eyes,” written by Gary Chapman. The lyrics spoke of a desire to emulate her heavenly Father, to be recognized by the ways she shared His compassionate perspective. “My Father’s Eyes” made it on a catchy tune and clever wording, but the song articulated a good spiritual truth too. Christians are called to look like Christ.
In fact, Jesus made a strikingly strong statement: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) But the Bible also often explains that no human is sinless. Pairing the two ideas, we realize the Christian should aim to grow to be more like God, to attain the “Father’s eyes,” as Grant sang. Scriptures describe a gradual process, sanctification, which God’s Holy Spirit renders within believers. (John 17:17, Ephesians 4:12, Philippians 3:12) A large part of growing to be more like God also requires personally knowing God more. Regularly reading the Bible, God’s handbook for us, and fellowshipping and worshipping with other believers (the church) will develop that stronger resemblance to our heavenly Father. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Of course our grandson wants to be like his father.
Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me. Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020! It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually. Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places: stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship. Government orders prohibited assembling. Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.
On a boat ride in late summer of 2019, I couldn’t foresee the coming changes in the school year ahead and in our whole way of life!
The church, too, struggled to respond. In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry. Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome. Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit. My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required. A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases. “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained. What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23! Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.
In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25). In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.” According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance. It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.
If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond? That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture. The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2). It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws. Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized. I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case. Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not. I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Answers await us in eternity.
My heart is heavy for the people of Ukraine. Although the good hearts of safe and free people always abhor the unprovoked aggression of a despot, the current assault especially touches me, as a person of Ukrainian descent. My grandparents came to America from Ukraine as young adults. I know little of Ukrainian culture, but born a Kucharsky, its plight is personal.
A few things around remind me of my Slavic heritage.
There are many Christians in Ukraine who are clinging to the promise of Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Not too long ago, I saw a live dramatized recitation of “Revelation” performed by Marquis Laughlin. From memory, Laughlin recited the entire Biblical book called Revelation, word for word. He used no props that I recall, but his inflections and voices, sound effects, physical motions and posturing presented a powerful rendition of God’s Word and only God’s Word! The theatrical performance of “Revelation” lasted about two hours, in two acts, but it was spellbinding throughout!
Marquis Laughlin delivers a theatrical rendition of Revelation. Learn more at actsoftheword.com
As part of the program, Laughlin shared some of his story and how he got into dramatic recitations of the Bible. Early in his life and career, Laughlin wanted to be an actor. He went to California to pursue an acting career. While in California, a faith in Jesus Christ was born in his life. He began to grow and mature in his new Christian faith. He wondered how his beliefs would impact his acting career. Eventually, Laughlin concluded “Scripture was the best script” and he began his work in theatrical performances of the Bible. His ministry, for over two decades now, is “Acts of the Word.”
Marquis Laughlin’s story illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel. Among other things, for him, it meant a shift in his career plans. As one deepens in true Christian faith, beliefs will permeate all aspects of one’s life. Social choices, finances, lifestyle, education, health issues and more are surrendered to God. With Laughlin’s career redirection, it could wrongly be assumed that all Christians must go into some kind of ministry work. This is not at all what I believe God requires. Instead, our faith infuses whatever career God leads us to! That is why there are great Christian chefs, electricians, scientists, artists, medical personnel, you name it! As my father once wrote in a pamphlet on careers, “Every human activity provides a way for your light to shine.”*
A few years ago, I had my Bible rebound. The result was beautiful; a treasure preserved.
“Scripture is the best script” reiterates the theme and place where I always like to land in “A Writer’s Daughter.” The Bible is the most useful textbook, manual, or script ever written. Read the script, study the textbook whenever you can, for every reason. I have added a new tab to my blog: “How to Read the Bible,” for those of you who may need direction with Bible reading.
*Kucharsky, David E. (1995) Where in the World Are You Going? [pamphlet]. Christian Publications, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
This photo says “America” to me. The white exterior could be a rural farm or ranch home, or an urban rowhouse or the classic suburban neighborhood. The fence could be split rail, aging wrought iron or picket. Red roses and the American flag are timeless across our nation, befitting any dwelling. I’m thankful for the US of A and its strong foundation: the Declaration of Independence defending “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all citizens, the Constitution, and a Bill of Rights guaranteeing many important freedoms. May our nation always hold fast to these ideals.
