Have you ever noticed how slowly the sands in an hourglass move at the beginning of their descent? Somewhat like life – things start out full and as time slips away, the sand rushes to its demise. Our later years flow quickly too – faster than we’d like – but when life runs out, the process begins anew -with no end to sands of time.
As a redeemed child of God, I should have no problem communicating with Him, but as a child of the world I often put off or dismiss my need for prayer. I don’t always want to bother Him with my measly requests when there are so many more important things for Him to handle. Sound familiar?
I’m really underestimating God’s omnipotence by feeling this way. He knows what’s in our hearts, before we utter one word and as a compassionate Father wants us to communicate with Him. Even the smallest requests are heard, because He has adopted us as His children through the blood paid ransom of His Son.
There’s an urgent need to go to Him at this moment in time. We’ve strayed from Him. We’ve become greedy and selfish. God’s Word has been abandoned as foolishness and we think we can control everything. What a mess we make of things when we forget how He hears every prayer. No request is too small or too difficult for Him to handle and each is acted upon.
Prayer isn’t simply asking for something. It’s also a special time for you to be with Him. Pray to thank Him for the blessings He’s already given you – praise Him for His presence in your life – bring your sins before Him, repent and ask for His forgiveness.
Find a closet – go to a quiet place – hide in a corner – stop what you’re doing at this very moment and pray. He’s waiting to hear from you.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
I wonder where dreams come from. Are they a cacophony of our daily lives or simply stirrings in the heart of our imagination? Do they serve a purpose? When ever a creative person dreams, he’s taking all those elements and pouring them into his art. Those with organized brains consider them to be an onomatopoeia filled with booms, gurgles and splats. They’re defined and classified and then filed into the cloud for future reference. How boring!
We all have days that start out with plans to take on the world only to have them dashed the minute we take one step out of bed. Who knew there would be a Lego underfoot? No matter how strong we feel about starting the day with new resolve, something always gets in the way.
There will always be bricks thrown your path. If things were perfect, we wouldn’t have need of a Savior and we’d all be living in paradise. Too bad that all got mucked up by the first human beings. It wasn’t our fault – right?
When we fall victim to failure, we are eating right into one of the devil’s biggest lies. He wants us to believe we don’t have a future; we have no value or purpose in this world; that we’re alone in this fight and there’s no hope for us. Depression and anxiety can drag us into despair. Our circumstances in life can lead us to a early grave or we can turn them over to the One who was pierced and wounded for all our iniquities.
The whole idea of someone else taking on our problems is a sign of weakness, by the world’s standards. We’re supposed to be self sufficient and strong enough to do things alone. The truth is, we all stumble. We all fall. We all have that breaking point that sends us over the edge – but we also have a loving God who considers us His children. He has the power to use our difficulties to shape and mold us into something better than we ever thought we could be.
Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
One of the hardest things we do in life is surrender to the will of God. We can never be like Him. The separation was made in the Garden of Eden. We can, however, find peace in letting go and allowing Him to do what He does without getting in His way. It’s not about us. It’s all God and He can do amazing things through us if we simply let Him.
In the early 70’s, Flip Wilson coined the phrase, “The devil made me do it,” and created the character, Geraldine, who often said, “What you see is what you get.” His popularity grew at a time when racism was running rampant, but he was gaining ground in the entertainment business as one of the first African Americans to break the race barrier by eventually hosting his own television show.
Everyone identified with his words about the devil. It’s not easy taking responsibility for our actions, especially when we’re guilty as charged. It’s much simpler to blame it on someone else, or at least bring attention to their shortcomings.
The very first human beings proved this. Adam blamed his wife – Eve blamed the devil and the devil blamed God, by creating doubt and desire in their minds. So it was the devil’s fault all along. Even though it may be an easy out for us, we’re still responsible for our own actions. God gave us a free will when He created us. We can choose to do right or wrong and many times we make the wrong choice.
When the buck stops at us, what do we do? We own up to our mistakes, ask for forgiveness and move on. The same is true when we sin against our God. We confess our sin, ask for His cleansing, receive His gift of absolution and move on trying not to make the same mistakes.
It’s true – the devil is responsible for sin. God grants our forgiveness. It’s up to us to repent and dig deeper into His Word for ways to live according to His will. The Bible will nourish us through this process, giving us the knowledge that even though we’re sinners, we’
ve been bought back at a supreme price.
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©
Those long, hot and steamy days of summer, raging with triple digit temps – all the boats moored in the marina, too tired to fill the sails with nonexistent wind. All the crew inside enjoying the cool of the air conditioners. The water calls, but it’s too darn hot. Nice to think about on these days when the outside temperature is 14 below zero.
This quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. exemplifies the true American spirit. This man, life cut short by an assassin’s bullet, made it his goal in life to move his race forward – but his goals are applicable for every living human being in our country today, no matter the color of our skin .
Dr. King led a peaceful battle against the injustices of our world at that time. He encouraged folks to defend what was right, and to do so in a non violent way. Ironically his all too young life was taken from him by an act of violence. I believe he would be surprised and deeply saddened by the turn America has taken since his death.
There are still protests being held to stand up for black lives. There is still violence in our streets. There is now an apathy towards law enforcement and the very people that are working to protect us. We have succumb to political correctness and don’t want to step on any toes. I don’t think this was what Dr. King had in mind when he so brilliantly spoke his “I have a dream” speech. He was praying for a nation that didn’t judge by the color of skin or the religion they practiced. He wanted equal rights for all people.
As we honor this man today, let’s remember that there are many who will continue to suffer the inequities of life, but we are all the same in God’s eyes. Every man that walks this planet was formed by the Creator of the Universe Himself. We have all fallen short of His expectations, but He loves us in spite of that.
Though times change and people’s minds change. we can take great assurance that God never changes. He alone can help us move forward.
Original pencil drawing by Paul T. Boecher©
God created every crevice and crease within the mountains of stone. He brought life forth from the rocky places. He sustains and nourishes every living thing. What makes us think we can hide from Him?
If you’re a defense attorney and you have doubts about your client’s innocence, it will be difficult for you to come up with a convincing defense. Even if there is a tiny amount of circumstantial evidence, that’s all you have to stand up for your client.
When it comes to our own judgment before God, there isn’t one crumb of proof that we were innocently led astray by the devil. We’re all guilty of His eternal punishment. We deserve an eternity in the throes of hell.
The One and only God is a jealous God and He is our ultimate judge. You can bet the devil isn’t going to stand at our side when it comes to our final judgment. With him we wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.
How lovely that our judge is also our Creator, our Father, our Savior. He humbled Himself and became our brother. He saw our pitiful condition and loved us just the same. He took our place and paid the bondsman that had kept us captive to sin for so long.
Jesus is our only defense against a life of sin. Because of our sinful nature we will continue to sin until our final death sentence, but because of His love and sacrifice for us, we can approach the door of freedom with our sins paid for in full. We can look our Judge in the eye and repentantly say, “I know that my Redeemer lives and because of that, I ‘ve been acquitted.” We have the assurance of a free pass out of jail.
John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Children aren’t taught to be naughty. It’s as natural as a dog chasing its tail. Teens aren’t molded into bipolar Dr. Jekyls and Mr. Hydes. It’s part of the hormonal imbalance of that age. College students aren’t just naturally rebellious know-it-alls, who think their parents are clueless. It’s part of becoming an adult. Young adults, on their way up the ladder of success don’t have to be told how to be greedy. It’s the way to get ahead – right? Us older adults can continue to be crabby and irritable without reason, because we feel entitled.
The truth is we were all conceived in sin. It’s part of our human nature to be rebellious, naughty, crabby, greedy and all the other negative personality traits out there. Just think of how the world would be if that sin continued to eat away at every individual throughout their lives. When you think about the human condition, it’s pretty pathetic.
Because of that sinful nature, we could throw up our hands and give up and give in to temptation. We could fear the wrath of God (which we should, by the way) or we could turn to Him in confidence, because of the unconditional love He has shown to us. His sacrifice was for everyone. Think about that. He didn’t save just the Christians of this world. He died to save all of humanity.
God loved us too much to leave us. He gave the ultimate sacrifice. He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.
Lord, even though I know I’m forgiven, I need to remind myself how much I need you. Without you I would face a life of loneliness, fear and desperation. With you, I can look forward to life with you in paradise. Amen!
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©
On these particularly cold, winter mornings of below zero temps and frosted window panes, it’s nice to look back at the beauty of emerald grasses, wildflowers and brilliant blue, clear water. I am blessed to have an artist as a husband and his works from nature, painted en plein air, are a constant inspiration to me. Just knowing that the warmth of summer is preserved in his work is enough to keep me nice and toasty.
I’m originally a Wisconsin girl, so my heart was happy when the home team, the Green Bay Packers won yesterday. Spending most of my adult life in Minnesota, I was sad to see the Vikings lose by such a close margin as well. I didn’t buy a lottery ticket (probably one of the few who didn’t) so I know I didn’t win.
A lot of emphasis is placed on winning in our society. From a very young age, children learn that team sports are not only important for learning how to work together, but also that winning not be important – it’s everything. Parents often spend hours at sporting events convincing their children of that very fact instead of encouraging them when they don’t win. No one likes a loser.
Looking at the life of Jesus, you’d probably consider Him to be just that. He worked to earn a living, which was menial to say the least. Many folks claimed that nothing good ever came out of His home town of Nazareth. He was considered a man of sorrows. When He became an adult, He spent His life nomadically without a place to rest His head. He entered Jerusalem on a lowly donkey instead of a majestic stallion. His ministry was well received at first, but He eventually became beaten and crushed by the religious leaders of the day for speaking heresy. His bloody body hung to a cross as the Roman soldiers cut it short at the age of 33 years.
Even though many thought of Him as the greatest loser of all time, He conquered the grave by coming back to life and proving His power. The Bible is God’s story of how this all came to be. It was all part of His master plan – a plan that makes all of us who believe in Him winners.
In the past week, two of my church family members left this veil of tears to enter the kingdom of heaven. I’ve prayed for another who is going through a divorce from a long time marriage. I’ve felt concern for several who are sick or struggling with various problems or anxiety.
Being part of a church is like having a huge extended family. You share your joys and sorrows. You build each other up when things look bleak. You have compassion for each other. When someone needs a ride to church, you offer to be there for them. When they can’t get out to shovel or buy groceries, you are there to help. You dwell in the Word together – studying, worshipping, singing, praying and enjoying each other’s company.
When you become a part of this family, you have an obligation to make sure that the Word is reaching outside the doors of that building through your own words and actions. We also should be inviting others into our family to share in the mercy and love God has shown to us – never judging, never looking at the outside, but always welcoming and letting them know that a church is a refuge for all sinners – including ourselves. The doors of the church should be open to everyone.
The world is made up of sinful human beings, but by the grace of God, we have been forgiven and our guilt has been washed away. There are so many who are longing to hear that message. Invite someone to share in the glory today!
Dear Lord, I am blessed with a warm, loving, compassionate church family. When my heart is troubled I know I can count on them for support. When I need help in any way, I know they have my back. Thank you for this wonderful gift and bless them and me through your precious Word, the Bible. Amen!
As I get ready for another theater production, it means it’s time to sew. Often I will prick my finger on a pin or my eyes will get tired after a long day of costume construction. Once my sewing machine sewed right through my finger. Guess you could say, I shed a bit of blood for everyone of my shows.
Making just the right garment to reveal as much as possible about the character is really important. They say that clothes make the man, but they don’t always cover the darkness that lies within.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be clothed by the Creator of the universe? In the Genesis creation story, Adam and Eve were completely aware they had sinned against God. They knew their disobedience would carry consequences. Because of their lack of trust in the one and only God, they now realized they were naked and tried to cover themselves with leaves. They actually thought they could run away from the One who made them.
Of course they couldn’t hide from the all knowing God, but instead of condemning them to immediate death, He clothed them and gave them a promise of redemption.
Our God is and always has been one of patience, love and provision. Even though our hearts don’t obey – even though we don’t follow His commandments – even though we give in to temptation – God is always with us. He knows our needs, listens to our prayers and forgives.
Thank you, God, for loving me and giving me all that I need. Even though I don’t deserve it, you look on me with compassion – as the good and perfect Father that you are. Through that love, you provided a way out for me and clothe me in Your eternal life in Christ alone. Amen!
Those of us old fogeys in our 70s can laugh at this joke. Some in their 50s and 60s might chuckle a little, but to those in their 30s and 40s, this is no laughing matter. When Social Security was established it was the perfect solution for those who’d retire in their 60s. At least it seemed so, but people weren’t living much past that, so they didn’t really have time to enjoy the benefits.
Unions pushed for pension plans and it looked like life would be cushy for most retirees, but those folks often didn’t live much past 65. 401k plans didn’t count for anything if you died before you had the opportunity to use them.
Now Social Security benefits have been renamed entitlements by the government. I thought entitlements were like gifts from the government, paid for by other Americans? Anyway, that’s a whole different post.
Older Americans are now living much longer lives, but enjoying them less, simply because we can’t afford to. Social Security is not enough by itself to keep up with the rise in the cost of living. Many have to pay out of pocket for extremely expensive drugs to keep them healthy and alive. The cost of food alone is enough to drive the elderly to eating dog food, but even that isn’t cheap anymore.
So if we want to eat, pay for prescriptions, co-pays, insurance, drive cars that aren’t falling apart, or wear clothing, we have to continue to work. If you’re physically strong that’s not a problem. If you’re an artist hoping to make money doing art, you’re considered to be enjoying a hobby which is of no real benefit to anyone. If you have a mind and are still capable of creating solutions to problems, your ideas don’t fit the modern age of technology.
So what’s a person to do? Many of our friends are going to heaven lately. They’ve been blessed with eternal life and they don’t have to worry about anything. I’m a little jealous.
Main wall mural at King of Grace Lutheran School in Golden Valley, MN. “I AM”, painted in acrylic by Paul T. Boecher©
In Exodus 3:14 we read – “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, I AM has sent me unto you.”
We are indeed small compared to the great I AM. He created the universe, He provides bread for life and water to quench our thirst. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Light of the world. He is the Vine and we are the branches. He is the author and creator of life and His Word, the Bible, is truth. He loves us as a good shepherd tending His sheep and leading them to the gate (Himself) He is the resurrection and the life. He is, He was and He always will be. Great is the name of the One True God – I AM!
Original art painted in acrylic on a window shade by Paul T. Boecher©
God’s glory manifests itself in the colors He places in the heavens and the earth. The skies sing praises to His holy name.
Originally posted on 1/5/15
No one likes being put into categories. I don’t want to be known as a bigot. Most folks don’t want to be known as selfish, narrow minded or unyielding. We cringe at being associated with negative traits.
On the other hand, how many of us would like to be known as benefactors – patrons of the arts – rich – compassionate, kind and loving? The positive shoes are much easier for us to slip into.
In a way it would be nice if we carried labels telling others what’s going on in our heads. It would be easier for us to show compassion to those who are hurting. If we could look inside someone’s soul and know they are suffering from addiction, abuse, fear, desperation, hopelessness, anger, hatred – we might be able to offer a solution. But who wants to be tagged with negativity for the rest of their lives?
The only one who truly knows who we are and what we need is God. He knows that all of us deserve punishment for the lives we lead. He knows that sin changed our relationship with Him. He knows that we are imperfect. In spite of His infinite knowledge, He loves us just as we are. He loves us because we are His workmanship. He loves us because His Son took away the label of sin from our heads and washed us clean. Now we can proudly wear the titles FORGIVEN – CHILD OF GOD – CHRISTIAN without fear. We have been redeemed by God alone.
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