"A Dream's Direction"

His plans for beginning a family had come crashing down on him. The woman he loved had delivered some devastating news – she was pregnant. As thoughts of what to do swirled in his anguished mind, he struggled to rest. Finally, sleep gave him some relief. As he dreamed, a startling revelation brought by a heavenly messenger altered his decision and propelled him into an incredible journey.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins”… Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS (Matt. 1:19-21, 24-25 NKJV).

Can you imagine an angel of the Lord appearing to you with a message while you slept? When you awoke, would you have the courage to act on such? Would you second-guess your decision? After all, it was a dream.

Joseph was called “a just man”. Other translations use the word “righteous”. He walked with God, and was the very one the Lord had prepared to fulfill His promise made to Abraham 42 generations before (Matthew 1:17). Joseph knew the Scriptures, and was confident enough in God’s leading to step out in faith, shouldering the biggest responsibility of his life.

Do you have a “dream” God has placed in your heart? No, not one that happened while you slept, but one the Lord has been impressing on your very soul. Is a nagging dissatisfaction about your current Christian service causing you to dig deeper into the Word, pray more earnestly, and seek godly counsel, perhaps for a major shift in your life’s focus?

Joseph carefully – and surely, prayerfully - considered a course of action. And his first decision would have made perfect sense to his friends and family. But not to God. Joseph chose God’s way, and had the privilege of helping mold the young, tender years of our Lord Jesus. No greater challenge and adventure could be given to any man.

Will you follow Joseph’s example, as he “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him”? What challenging and thrilling adventure has God planned and presented for you to say “yes” to?

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)

Gabriel's Visits

Roughly 400 years had passed since there had been a prophetic word from God. As Malachi closed out his final chapter, the next pages we find in our Bible were long-delayed. God seemed silent, but He was active. The stage was being set for fulfillment of Galatians 4:4-5:

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

Luke, one of the gospel writers, details these events. In chapter one of the book bearing his name, he recounts two visits of the angel Gabriel, one to an aged priest named Zechariah, another to a young Jewish maiden named Mary. As you read these familiar accounts, consider the messages (a birth of unusual circumstances would occur) and the responses of the two hearers. First, Zechariah’s news:

"In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John…. Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time" (Luke 1:5-13; 18-20 NIV).

Next, Mary’s:

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38)

In both messages, Gabriel told his listeners: “Do not be afraid.” He shared with both that they would soon have a son, and outlined the events that would accompany the incredible births. Look at Zechariah’s response: "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." Gabriel reprimanded the priest for his unbelief, declaring would be unable to speak until the child was born.

Fast-forward six months to Mary’s encounter with the heavenly messenger. When told she would give birth to the “Son of the Most High”, she responded, "How will this be…since I am a virgin?" In this encounter, Gabriel reacted quite differently to Mary’s perplexity. I’ve often wondered, when both seem to be confused about how the unique births (according to normal human reproductive standards) could possibly take place, and were seeking answers, why Zechariah’s speech was abruptly silenced, and Mary just received a gentle explanation.

I don’t have the answer to that quandary. Perhaps it was because God expects – and requires – more of those who have walked with Him a very long time. Whatever the answer, the births took place at the appointed time, and the lives of Jesus and John were intrinsically intertwined, even from the womb (see Luke 1:39-45). John had the opportunity to be “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘“Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3).’”

As John sought to prepare hearts to receive the Messiah, may we likewise provide Him a similar dwelling place – a soft heart where He can make Himself fully at home. May our attitude be such as that of Mary:

“I am the Lord’s servant…may it be to me as you have said.”

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)

No Room

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)

We’ve all seen the Christmas plays. Children clad in bathrobes try to recall their lines as they portray the precious story. Sometimes the kindly innkeeper is depicted showing the exhausted Mary and Joseph to a cozy area replete with a feeding trough full of nice, clean hay. A carefully-positioned light and strains of “Away in a Manger” make the scene look almost idyllic as Mary lovingly places her firstborn into the manger-bed.

Reality: The only Scriptural facts are presented in the above verses. How they came to the manger setting is unknown. Our imaginations are all we can use to consider the conditions of the birth. And as far as clean, soft hay…probably not. Joseph may have needed to shoo some slobbering cows away from dinner and dodge droppings to make room for the newborn Jesus.

No room in the inn…before Jesus was even born, He faced rejection.

Have you ever heard the poignant song, “No Room”? It is part of a cantata by John W. Peterson, entitled “Night of Miracles”. Here are the words:

No room, only a manager of hay. No room, He is a stranger today.

No room, here in His world turned away, no room, no room.

No room, here in the hearts of mankind. No room, no cheery welcome could find.

No room, surely the world is blind, no room, no room.

Chorus:

No room. Angels, in heaven up yonder watch with amazement and wonder

To see the Son of the Highest treated so. No room, no room, no room.

*****************************************

Today, the story is the same. Millions, even billions, have no room for the Babe of the manger who is the Savior of the world. Yet do many claiming allegiance to follow this Christ offer Him much better? At this time of year set aside to celebrate His birth, do we inadvertently become the innkeeper, “taking care of business”, (preparing for and rushing to one holiday event after another) while turning our back on the One we so desperately need to focus on? Or are we deliberately setting aside time to ponder the Scriptures, truly listen to the carols, and seek to give Jesus a gift He will cherish…a daily surrender of our lives to His gracious control?

“Are you ready for Christmas”? I’ve already heard that question this year; perhaps you have, too. I want to have the courage to respond, “What do you mean?” Then as I listen to their answer, I’ll silently pray for courage to say (and truthfully mean it), “I’m a follower of that Jesus the carols proclaim, and yes, I’m daily making my heart ready for Christmas. How about you? Are you ready for Christmas?” That question may open doors for sharing the best GIFT all. Let’s pray together to make it so.

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain.

Thankful for the Little Things

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us
with benefits…” Psalm 68:19a

I’m kinda slow. Sometimes I don’t notice the simple blessings God showers on me daily. Perhaps I’m too busy, or my spiritual radar is off-track. I really do want to be more thankful, so I’m going to ask God to make me cognizant of things to thank Him for – big or small.

“Small” would describe one blessing that brought a smile today. It was the size of a satsuma; actually, it was a satsuma. And not just one, but, as you see in the photo, clusters of the tempting fruit, literally dripping with sweetness.

I had stopped to join some friends for some walking exercise, and as the group readied to leave, my friend asked if I liked satsumas; someone had dropped off a large bag of them. Since I’ve been trying to eat healthier, fruits and veggies are replacing an overabundance of starchy carbs, fats and sweets on my plate. And satsumas rank up toward the top as fruity faves!

Putting them away, I thought of other simple pleasures of the day: having a nice, warm bed to arise from this morning, a clear mind to sort through the activities of the day, lunch with our senior adults at church, a heating pad to ease my aching back this afternoon, and a pair of dry socks and a cup of steamy coffee to enjoy after being in-and-out of the rain for most of the day.

Admittedly, none of these ranks up there with winning the grand prize in a contest you’d forgotten you’d entered, but they are things for which we can – and should - thank and praise God. Can’t you imagine Him smiling when He sees our pleasure in such small favors? He delights in arranging them and presenting them to us. And it’s all because He loves us so!

Maybe my “thanksgiving” should turn into “thanks-living”…copying God’s loving nature by sharing things with others, just as my friend did with me. God, the great example-giver, patterns the way. I’ve but to take up the mantle and follow.

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)

The Ends of Our Noses

What do you see when you walk out of your church doors? What’s across the street? Next door? Around the block?

I recall Dr. Jim Futral, president of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board telling our state Baptist paper’s readers that their witness was to reach from the ends of their noses to the ends of the earth.

So what is at the end of our nose? Whatever it is, we may need to look no further for the starting point to reaching our world - our “Jerusalem” hometown - according to Acts 1:8. One local church campus is right across from a city school and a sprawling apartment complex. My home church is across from City Hall and on the corner of the downtown area. Within less than two blocks are retirement communities, the city’s Senior Center and other dwellings. Many congregations are neighbors to hospitals, nursing centers, shopping areas, and housing communities from mobile home parks to expansive subdivisions. God has a vision and a mission for each.

As you seek to obey God’s call to “look on the fields” (John 4:35), will you ask Him to let you see (with spiritual eyes) beyond the physical structures of your surroundings? As you go to worship services or Bible studies, consider taking some time to prayerwalk through the nearby communities and businesses, asking for God’s direction on ministering to those who live or work there. Invite a fellow member to go with you. Do it regularly. Greet people you meet, tell them what you are doing, and ask how you can pray for them. You may step right into a divine appointment the Lord has orchestrated to bring a seeking heart to Him!

You’ll never know unless you “follow your nose”.

Best wishes from Benreading:)

Buildings and Lives Renovated Here

Catching the fall colors in and around North Carolina’s LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center was just one benefit of my recent volunteer stay. In addition to making new friends and enjoying precious fellowship, I served numerous groups and individual families at the expansive campus. Schedules and themes varied, of course, but presumably, all came with a goal of becoming more conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2).

Huge scaffolding reached skyward in front of the venerable Pritchell Hall. Months ago, a huge section of roof fell to the ground with a thundering noise. Although the collapse occurred during a busy check-in period, no one was hurt (but that’s another story)!
This renovation began before I came and was completed a day or two before my departure; quite a huge and costly undertaking. One day, while leaving the Rhododendron dining room, I came across two volunteers giving a coat of powder-blue paint to the dull gray walls of a large conference room. Probably this chore didn’t take more than a day or two. As I walked back to the volunteer lodging area, I passed through the lovely Mountain Laurel hotel. The east section was built several years ago; and the west, more recently. To make these gracious accommodations possible, older, run-down buildings had to be demolished and the rubble removed.

A fresh paint job, a sizeable repair project, a totally-new construction. These were building projects, but the same applies to the lives of guests who venture onto the grounds many call “God’s country”. Yes, it seems to be a hallowed place where God does some of His finest work. Some who come need only a light touch, others need a bit more (or a lot more) renovation, and there are those who need a brand-new beginning.
Thankfully, God has a promise for all who are His children, or who will become such during a stay at Ridgecrest:

“… [H]e who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6 NIV)

No matter how much renovation and rebuilding is needed, I pray each who encounters the Master builder will cooperate with His plans, as His “blueprints” are always perfect.

… lefthandrightbrain.

"Tell Me Again What You Can't Do!"

(Going through some old files, I came across this article I wrote years ago about a truly incredible servant of God. He didn’t do anything that’d make him a household name, but when he stands before his Lord, he’ll surely hear the gentle words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Prepare to have your heart warmed as you read on.)

Tell Me Again What You Can’t Do!

At the age of 82, Boyce Crown was quite a bit older than most of the other summer staffers at the huge Christian conference center where I volunteered last summer. As I watched him cheerfully go about his work, keeping his area of the cafeteria stocked and cleaned, I couldn’t help but notice his love of life as he enjoyed the camaraderie of guests and co-workers.

What made his joyful manner so amazing was that Boyce was severely handicapped, or so most people would say. I noticed that one of his eyes was just a narrow slit, and he seemed to be visually impaired. One leg was completely useless, being permanently bent backwards at a forty-five degree angle, and he used a crutch under his arm to get around on his other leg. He worked with his free hand, but could also manage to use both hands by gripping the crutch under his armpit. It seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t do! He swept up bits of cereal and empty sugar packets, refilled baskets of condiments, restocked the milk coolers, and cleaned the glass exit doors. He was always on the lookout to see how he could make the conferees’ stay more pleasant. All this with one leg, one crutch, and a gentle, happy demeanor that brightened the day of all he encountered.

After watching him for several days, I asked for a time to meet with him to hear his story. In his humble manner, he consented, but really didn’t feel he had anything “all that special” to offer me. I knew different, though, and was determined to get his background down on paper. We met during his lunch break, and with absolutely no sign of bitterness, he unfolded the events of his difficult, but rewarding, life.

At age two-and-a-half, he and his brothers were playing in a broom-sage field, and the older boys set the field on fire. Boyce got caught in the fire, and was severely burned and blinded in one eye. Since this was before the days of modern medicine, there wasn’t much that could be done for him. The doctor advised his parents to let him stay in whatever position would bring him any comfort, probably not expecting him to live. As he was bedridden for an extended period of time in a position with his leg bent at an angle, his skin healed and he could not straighten his leg. Later, others in the medical field suggested amputation for his leg, but he declined, as he had learned to adjust quite well.

Upon graduation from high school in 1942, he went to work with a furniture manufacturing company, and worked there for twenty-seven years. After another company bought them out, he worked for the new owners for five more years. Transferring to a job with Ethan Allen, Boyce began as a sander, and worked up to a management position. Retiring in 1985, he worked with a cousin in the service station and used car business. At the time of my interview, he had been at the conference center for six years. He and his wife have three daughters and five grandchildren.

I asked Boyce how long he had been a Christian. He cocked his head and chuckled as he answered, “I was saved when I was thirty-four years old, and I asked the Lord to let me live to serve Him as long as I had served the devil. I sure had that prayer answered!”

The two weeks I spent as a volunteer afforded me the opportunity to get to know some fascinating people, and the inspiration of Boyce’s life made the experience all the more rewarding. I plan to be back at the conference center this summer as a conferee, and I sure hope to see Boyce there, serving up daily doses of joy and kindness, along with the orange juice and coffee!

Half-empty/Half-full?

Look at that partially-filled glass on the table. Is it half-empty or half-full? Do you look at such glasses through “rose-colored glasses”? Is your nickname “Polyanna”? Or do the corners of your mouth seem to say, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” (like the little miss at left)?

I'm definitely a half-full type person, and try to "cast vision" for others to join me. It’s frustrating to me, in Christian circles, when discouragement-mongers grouse about "how bad things are these days", as they remember the past. They expect God's judgement (and it would surely be well-deserved) to fall at any minute. I always rush in to remind them of a way God is work. Recently I shared about the 25,000 youth and adults involved in this summer's World Changers programs.

Some people enjoy being downers, and their poisonous attitudes are easily "caught". I wonder if those with a pessimistic slant are actually putting up a protective shield. Perhaps they’ve been deeply-hurt in the past when dealt a hand of cards extremely difficult to play. Things were bad - very bad - when they expected them to be very good. So their rationale is to expect unpleasant results, and if that happens, then they aren’t discouraged. Better than expecting tremendous results and have your hopes dashed, right?

Wrong…oh, so wrong. Sometimes, we fulfill our own destiny by our attitudes. By deciding to look at things positively, we can often bring hopes and dreams to positive fruition by our mindset, prayer and dogged determination. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Seems Paul is saying, “Brothers and sisters, focus on the good. And use me as an example. Then God’s peace will rule your heart.”

Yes, things look bad at most every turn. But we are to be salt and light to this desperately-needy world. And whom would you rather have influence you – one breathing out discontented sighs as they recount their problems, or one who has had their attitude adjusted by the God of grace, and is always ready with an encouraging word? Which is more honoring to the Lord, who "daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19)?

Paul was a good role-model. Over and over in the epistles, his thankful and indomitable spirit shines through. Christians over the centuries have been strengthened by his Spirit-inspired words. And what about Jesus? In him, we see the correct blend of realism/optimism when he said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)."

Yes, the glass is half-full. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some iced tea!

(If you like my blogs, please share them with a friend. Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain)

The Dog Stick

Our subdivision is mostly level, with a few gentle hills here and there. This usually makes for a nice, leisurely bike ride. However, there are times when a neighborhood dog is running loose, and he decides to give chase! For that reason, I carry a sturdy branch that I call my “dog stick”. I can wave this threateningly in the face of an oncoming canine. Upon seeing the stick, the dog backs off and just barks, instead of charging.

When I cozy into my favorite spot to have my quiet time with the Lord, I try to remember to grab my “dog stick”. Strangely enough, it looks a lot like a pencil. Oh, it is a pencil! Satan, the “dog” that he is, seeks to distract me with reminders from my “to-do” list, people to call, or unresolved issues from previous days. He wants, by whatever means possible, to deter me from gaining necessary spiritual strength, wisdom and encouragement. His attacks are relentless; if one method doesn’t work, he’ll try another! That’s when I raise my “dog stick”. With paper and pencil in hand, I can quickly jot down those diversions that come to mind, so that they can be put aside to deal with later. Sometimes, of course, these thoughts form the basis of needed intercession, but I still write them down. This helps keep my mind from wandering and helps me focus, instead of becoming frustrated and giving up.

Paul warned the Corinthian believers to beware of Satan’s desire to “outwit us” (2 Corinthians 2:11), “For we are not unaware of his schemes”. We must continually be on the alert for these “schemes”. Peter writes these words of warning: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). One of the deceiver’s most effective schemes is to distract us from praying, but we can keep him at bay with our own “dog stick”!

Related scriptures: 1 Peter 5:6-10, Mark 14:32-38, James 4:7-10, Ephesians 6:10-20,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5

How Do You Spell "Love"?

How do you spell “love”? This doesn’t come across well on the printed page, does it? And is it a trick question, or what? Well, you may have heard the answer I’m looking for, and I’ve certainly seen it fleshed-out this past week. How do you spell “love”? How about T-I-M-E?

I encountered a man with a sharp knife a week ago today and he sliced about a 10-inch gash in me. And several “partners-in-crime” stood by, supporting his actions. Thankfully, he made sure I was unconscious before he laid open my leg and hip joint. Yes, Dr. Drake replaced my damaged hip with a new one, and now I’m one the road to recovery, which I pray will be uneventful. (Did I have you going there for a minute?)

Such events give friends and family an opportunity to demonstrate their compassion as well as God’s love. The gracious acts began days before when I received a lovely card; the sender wanted me to know she was praying for a successful outcome. Calls came in to check on the time. The morning of the operation, as I lay swaddled in the sterile hospital whites waiting for the procedure’s beginning, chaplain Bob Storie, a long-time friend and perfect picture of God’s gentleness and humility, stopped in to pray with my husband and me. During the surgery, friends and family helped while away the hours.

During my four-day hospital stay, many brought gifts, words of encouragement, lively conversation and prayers. Two or three visitors assured me meals would begin arriving at our home in the days to come. Now that I’m home, we’ve enjoyed entrees, veggies, cornbread, homemade soup, and luscious desserts. Friends have stopped by and cards have arrived in the mail.

So “love” can be spelled “T-I-M-E”; all these actions required the doers to put aside things they could have been doing for themselves and invest time (and money) in helping smooth the road to recovery.

Lord, thank you for these selfless acts my friends and family have showered upon me. In future days, if I don’t take advantage of service opportunities you’ve planned for me, please give my memory a gentle nudge.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:10-13)

Best wishes from lefthandrightbrain:)