Oh Yeah, I Love Lucy!

My favorite quote from Lucille Ball goes like this…”I’m not funny. The writers were funny. The directors were funny. I’m not funny. What I am is brave.”  When I first read that quote, I felt her humility and willingness to give others credit for a team effort are/were a great example of human character. You may be aware that Lucille Ball, after starring in more than 60 movies and being known as the “Queen of the B-movie,” found her identity as a clown on the long running TV series I Love Lucy. While I Love Lucy was before my time, I became a fan as a child. Most people I’ve spoken with have a favorite episode or two. I imagine it is easy to think of Lucille Ball in black and white as the “Vitameatavegamin” girl, or to remember her suffering through one lowly job after another as Lucy Ricardo, but there are a few lessons to be gleaned from this famous red-head.

1)     Persevere - Do it anyway attitude! How many times have we heard “No Lucy, you can’t be in the show!” from Ricky? How many times did people say “Lucy (Ricardo) has no talent, she can’t sing?”  Did she care? Absolutely not! Week after week she did everything she could to get into Ricky’s show. It takes grit and perseverance to push through obstacles.

2)     Remain Humble – Lucy had/let Ricky run the business, but Desilu Solutions was her brainchild. She promoted hard work and strong business ethics. She wasn’t a ‘glory hog.’

3)     Be Brave – Before Oprah, there was Lucy. Lucy was a maverick. Enough said.

4)     Work Hard - Lucille said, "Everyone’s definition of talent and success is different. Don’t let others put you in a box or try to define you."

I feel it’s a good idea to consider and apply these same principles in our Christian lives.

PERSEVERE – Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints      The Christian must keep going – doing – walking – praying –serving -witnessing! Don’t stop, even when the adversary tells you there’s no point. Keep serving God.                                    

HUMILITY – Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

(Isn’t it a turn-off to be around someone who likes themselves too much? Someone who lifts themselves up, rather than give credit to others for a job well done?!)

BRAVERY - Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.  It is impossible (in my opinion) to be fearful and brave at the same moment. When we’re overly fearful in our day to day lives, God isn’t being magnified and His grace isn’t abounding like it could! I recommend quoting your favorite scriptures until those defeating, self-doubting thoughts subside. The adversary is no match for God’s Holy Word.    WORK HARD - Jeremiah 32:27  Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? There’s nothing TOO hard for God, so giving our best and doing our best is an automatic response for the Christian. One famous minister says, "Something is wrong, on the inside, if our heart’s desire isn’t to give the Lord our daily best!"

And last but not least, it is truly beneficial if we can look on the FUNNIER side of life! We need more compassion, more laughter, more joy, and more of God’s love in our lives…Personally; I want to contribute to that!

Look UP my friends!

Colors Have Meaning

Psalm 150:1 Praise ye the Lord

God’s marvelous handiworks are everywhere. What a stunning land we live in, here in the United States. We have states known for their splendor such as Wyoming – Big Sky Country, Minnesota – Land of 10,000 Lakes, California – the Golden State, Maine – the Pine Tree State, West Virginia – the Mountain State, Mississippi – the Magnolia State and the list goes on. We are simply blessed with a beautiful country!

The passing of each year brings seasonal changes in most time zones, some shorter than others. Here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains we usually have a glorious spring and fall season, each beautiful and heartwarming in their own right. Spring brings the promise of hope with budding trees and newly blossomed floras, and fall’s vivid hues paint a masterpiece of pigmented colors across a crisp, chilly sky.

Colors have meaning - both in the secular sense and the Biblical sense. This was something I had not been particularly familiar with until recently.

 I had an interesting conversation with a lady several weeks ago. She said, “I know this sounds crazy, but when I listen to you talk, I envision pinks and burgundy. You have a healing, soothing way when you speak.” Wow! I didn’t know what to think. Quite frankly, it sounded a little too “new age” for my initial preferences, but I continued the brief conversation and later began to research what the Bible tells us about color. (Those of you who personally know me understand that I am not magnifying myself whatsoever. I’m using a personal illustration for the unique ways that God often speaks or teaches us).

Lynda Georgeson’s book Scripture in Color outlines Biblical color in the diagram below.

RED/SCARLET	Blood of Jesus, Atonement, Sacrifice, God the Son
BLUE	Holiness, God With Us, His presence, God the Father
YELLOW	Faith, Joy, God's Glory, God the Holy Spirit
PURPLE	Kingship, Royalty, Authority
GOLD	The Glory of God, Everlasting God
SILVER	Redemption
WHITE	Righteousness, Purity, Harvest, Bride, Surrender
GREEN	New life, Growth, Healing life
MAROON/WINE	New Wine, Infilling of the Holy Spirit
PINK	Health, Healing, God's Work On Our Hearts
BROWN	Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags, Humility, Earthy
BLACK	Sin, Death

What do you think? I researched several scriptures and it seems pretty accurate. To equate sin and death with black. Green – new life, Purple with royalty.  As you probably know, there is a very solid correlation between the subject of royalty and the color purple in the scriptures. The word, royal, means that which belongs or pertains to a king. An article online said, "The children of a king are said to be his royal seed. The clothing of a king is his royal apparel. The cities of the king are referred to as royal cities. Thus, all the possessions of a king are royal possessions." (IF you’re a child of God, you’re HIS possession! A royal possession that is!)

Research went on to say, "Purple is a mixture of blue and red. Blue is associated with law or commandment and red is associated with war, blood, and judgment. Our King, Jesus Christ, kept the law (blue) to a jot and a tittle and then conquered sin, satan, death, hell, and the grave through shedding his blood upon the cross of Calvary and satisfying the judgment of God upon the imputed sins of his elect people." (Can I get an Amen right here?!) Amen!  

The inscription above the head of Jesus on the cross read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." He was and is indeed the King of the Kingdom of heaven! But do NOT forget, the adversary is an imitator. He tries to imitate Christ, but in a wicked way. We see in the scriptures where his false or idol gods are clothed in purple: Jer. 10:8 Lynda's book said, "But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities."

So, let’s look at “Color” from a Biblical perspective…Isn’t it miraculous that God can take a black sin-sick heart and make it white as snow, by the scarlet blood of Jesus?!

Look UP my friends!

Jesus loves ME?!

"Jesus Loves Me" simply states the deep truth of God's love for mankind. Although in our country it is usually taught to little children, it is also a blessing to adults around the world.  You may not know that it was originally written in 1860 as a poem by Anna B. Warner and included as part of a story meant to comfort the heart of a dying child. One author says, "In 1861 Mr. William Bradbury put the poem to music, and he added the chorus.  It was published it as a part of his hymnal collection, The Golden Sower."

Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak but He is strong.

 Chorus: 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! 
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me!  Loves me still,
Tho I'm very weak and ill, That I might from sin be free,
Bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me! He who died - Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay. Close beside me all the way. 
Thou hast bled and died for me; I will henceforth live for Thee.

When our nieces and nephew were little children, I repeatedly sang this song to them at bedtime. I would inset their name in the place of ‘me’. Jesus loves Scott. Jesus loves Samantha. Jesus loves Allana. It really personalizes the hymn! Try inserting YOUR name…it will increase the intimacy and depth of the song. It does for me at least.  Jesus loves ME – as unlovable and unworthy I am. He loves ME.

Reader, you understand that it was a personal ‘thing’ that Jesus did…His dying for you! Willingly paying your sin debt. My sin debt. Yes, insert your name here….”For God so loved _______ that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (Arguably the most quoted verse from the Bible) How does it make you feel to truly know that Jesus died for YOU? God have His ONLY Son to die…for you.

 I can’t explain it. It’s quite challenging to understand WHY Jesus loves us so much…but He really does! I encourage you to thank HIM for what He has done for you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray to You in the name of your Son, Jesus. I want to lift you up! I want to thank You for loving me, my faults, failures, and all that I am. Thank You for allowing me to be YOUR child – for your great love!  I am immeasurably blessed to be a part of your family. Thank You, O’ God, for giving your Son to die for me. Thank you, Father, for all of the graces you have given me this day. Help me to be a light to a lost and dying world. We need you, Father. I need you. And I thank YOU for loving ME. Amen.

Look UP my friends!

Have You Laughed Today?

Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.Job 8:21

Samantha, our then 4-year-old niece, was getting restless after a long afternoon of shopping and playtime.  She asked if we could leave the local restaurant – you’re correct if you assumed it wasn’t the fast food joint with the “big arches” and the playground area.

 I told her we would leave just as soon as we paid ‘Mrs. Betty’. She queried enthusiastically, "We get to pay and take her home!? Let’s buy him too!” (Referencing the young kid at the next table). My husband and I burst out laughing. Samantha was quite perplexed until I explained to her that it was the food we needed to pay for – not Mrs. Betty. We enjoyed a hearty chuckle from the sweet innocence though. How sweet it was that she thought the solution for a good playmate was to buy him from the next table.  

Wouldn’t life be greatly changed if we looked at certain Christian duties in that way:  ‘getting’ to pay our tithes? Or ‘getting’ to go visit someone at the hospital. ‘Getting’ to go to church during the middle of the work-week? Getting to read God’s Word today?

 How about ‘getting’ to take the high road after a tough situation? Now that one is a bit tougher some days isn’t it?!

The simple truth is, most days most of us have countless opportunities to “get to” do something for the Lord. The questions are:  #1 – Do we recognize those times?          #2 Do we obey?

It’s important to do a few key things each day. I have outlined them below.

PRAY – because it’s important to both you And God – pray daily.

LAUGH – because the Bible says laughter is like good medicine. Plus, it helps us cope with stress! Nobody wants to be around a sourpuss – especially a Christian one!

OBEY – a defiant spirit accomplishes nothing for God

RECOGNIZE – God presents multiple opportunities every day to tell others about Him. Opportunities to be a living witness. Opportunities to grow. Opportunities to shine in His light!

Have you laughed today? Have you consistently greeted others with a smile in your voice as well as on your face?

Look UP my friends!

 

United States of Religion?

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God – John 3:3 (KJV)

The recent explosion(s) at the Boston Marathon has brought up the topic of “religion” in my circle. I’ve had casual conversations, emails, impromptu chatting in the grocery store, texts, etc. People are talking! {As you may know, the two brothers being held responsible for this crime against humanity are recorded as Muslim extremist.}

For example, did you hear or read about one of the most recent surveys done on religion? A Gallup poll taken in 2011 separated people into three main categories: very religious, moderately religious and nonreligious.

Briefly defined by Gallop like this – "VERY RELIGIOUS = People who stated that religion is an important part of their daily life and who attend religious services consistently. According to their numbers, it makes up of about 40% of the population."

 “MODERATELY RELIGIOUS = was actually broken down in two ways. Either they said religion is important but they don’t usually attend worship services or they attend church services but don’t consider religion to be important." (The latter sub-group confused me. I cannot understand who would go through the effort of attending, but wouldn’t consider it important?! That concept puzzles me. ) This group comprised 28% of the population.

I don’t want to get on a ‘soapbox’ here, but I’m concerned that many of our churches are filled with people who attend the House of God for selfish reasons – perceived obligation, family pressures, desire to be noticed, to network for the career, for increased social standing, to compete for position, the list could go on indefinitely! Life Moment: ask yourself…what is MY real reason for attending church? WHY do I REALLY attend my local worship service? Or Why DON’T I attend faithfully? You can’t hide the reason from God. He knows the true, deep-down, hidden reason. It’s time to check up on ourselves!

The last but not least, the final category, Gallop said this – "NON-RELIGIOUS = Religion is not an important part of their daily life and they seldom or rarely ever attend religious services and are, of course considering themselves as strictly  “non-religious.”They made up 32% of the American populace." (That number is huge isn’t it!?)

As many of you readers may expect, 8 out of 10 “most religious states” are located in the ‘Bible Belt’ of the South. (I love that phrase! “Bible Belt!”)  Those states are: South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Utah, Georgia, and Tennessee.  (Did you know Mississippi that is ranked as the ‘most religious state’ in the Union? And ironically, the Mormon religion is ranked as “most religious group” in the USA.)

On the flip side, there are categories for “Least Religious” states too – Those states are listed as Alaska, New York, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and finally District of Columbia.  

So what does Gallup’s poll actually mean? According to their poll, they reported this, "The United States of America remains a commonly religious nation, with more than 2/3 of the citizens classified as very or moderately religious." (That scares me! Doesn’t it you? The numbers don’t add up when compared to what we see on the news every day. Or what we see happening in our neighborhoods: murder, robbery, rape, lying, bullying, hate crimes, etc).

But it raises questions and concerns. I hope that the true Believer, the real Follower of Jesus, understands that religion is NOT enough! It’s not sufficient to go through the formalities – donning robes, engaging in fancy ceremonies, singing hymns, repeating sacraments, saying structural prayer. All of the “trappings” of religion are harmful and worthless UNLESS the individual is a true born-again Believer. An excellent definition of ‘religion’ is mankind’s arrogant, worthless attempt to make himself acceptable to a Holy God by his own efforts or works.  If you’re trying to ‘raise yourself up to a higher level of being, or increase your enlightenment,’ then I’m afraid you’ve missed the boat, my friend. Please understand that I'm NOT judging you - I'm talking to you about what the infallible Word of God says. John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The earlier referenced verbiage are religious, man-made terms, and religion will not help you commune with the One True Living God. You MUST go through His only begotten son, Jesus, to have access to God. Religion is one of the greatest and most destructive lies the adversary has ever applied in that putrid strategy of his. Religion is anything but Godly.

You’ve heard that adage…

I don’t really know who Gallup is or how it is that I haven’t been asked any questions, but I have to heartily agree with the 2011 study! Times have changed. Even though God doesn’t change, people certainly do. My beloved country, America, used to be a Godly country, which is poles apart from being a ‘religious’ country.

No, in my opinion, America has fallen from being Godly to being religious. I read recently a profound comment. The person said, “We have a plethora of gods (little ‘g’) to worship, command and control. The gods of our religions don’t tell us how to live and don’t expect anything from us so we can toddle off to our churches every Sunday and feel good about ourselves because we’re a good person.”

Somehow, I don’t think America’s gods (little ‘g’) will be able to help us from the approaching events outlined in the Book of Revelation – keep your eyes on Israel! Read Titus 2:13 – understand the glorious return of our Lord, and Savior, Jesus!

You know; the ONE God we used to have before we became religious.

Look UP my friends!

When Winning Isn't Enough

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage – Galations 5:5

Not too long ago, I read a true story (by Shannon Woodland) about Judge Elwin Ahu. Elwin Ahu was pleased to wear the robe of a circuit court judge. After all, in his estimation he had earned it - he deserved it. He worked hard, was smart in academics all through high school, played by the rules, and usually won in the game of life. He later soared through college with minimal effort. He was simply a winner! However, when he got into law school, things changed.

Ahu said, “I’d cut out of class. The same that I did in undergrad, thinking that I could carry on in law school.” But he soon found out he couldn’t continue with minimal effort. He bombed a class and the school threatened to fail him. So, for practically the first time in his life, he faced failure. This motivated him to come up with a plan.

“So I figured out a way how I could get through these classes,” explained Ahu.” And I found certain rules and principles that I needed to apply and it became a game to me. If I know the game, if I know the rules then I can pass. And I did.”

Elwin believed he could apply that same strategy to any area of his life and succeed. He even married while in law school, just to prove he was right. “Everyone said we were too young. And the more people told me I couldn’t do it, that it wouldn’t be successful, the competitive edge kicked in and I was out to prove them wrong.” {Life Moment – Do you find yourself trying to prove other people wrong a little too often? It’s true that God provides the mercy and grace needed in difficult situations, and that He’ll make us more than conquerors. It’s AWESOME to be victorious over gloomy situations in our lives! But Apply Caution: be careful not to be too high-minded or bitter about it. Don’t be so busy proving others wrong that you forget WHO you are in Christ.}

Ahu and his wife divorced after seven years. They shared custody of their six-year -old son. Ahu refused to accept any blame for the broken marriage. He was a winner, after all. It wasn’t his fault! Rather, his coping mechanism was placing the blame on what his wife failed to do in the relationship.  {Life Moment - Have you said this? “It’s not my fault!”  If I’m brutally honest, I can recall a time that I failed to take personal responsibility. You probably can too.}  Playing the ‘marriage game’ by a certain set of rules seems like a bad formula, in my opinion! Marriage isn’t a game! And if we’re rigid in our expectations of others in our home, chances are you’re going to be highly disappointed.

The article I read tells the reader, "In this time in Ahu’s life, ironically his professional life as a litigator was climbing. His drive to win made him a dynamo in court!  His success as a lawyer ultimately fostered him an appointment as a circuit court judge. (He didn’t realize it, but his personal life on the other hand was a mess.) He had remarried into a blended family and was determined to make it work, his way. (Oh boy! You can imagine how successful that was!) “I step in, knight in shining armor, save the day for everyone, play by my rules,” was what Ahu said about it. Needless to say, as often occurs when we try to do things on our own without God, he received another F in husbandry."  Ahu divorced again and moved in with his mom and dad. (Are you saying to yourself…This man is a JUDGE, probably at least 40 years of age, now twice divorced, a dad himself, and now living with his parents? Doesn’t sound like a winner! It’s shocking how trouble can creep into our lives and we don’t even see it happening! Life can happen fast!)

But one particular afternoon, Ahu’s life changed. For the better! (Thank God for His mercy and blessing!) A friend had given him a sermon on tape. Ahu listened to it. Put the tape away. Listened to it again later. Put it away. Finally, he listened to the entire sermon. The Holy Spirit was calling him. Ahu recalled that moment, “The pastor said, ‘God may have orchestrated every moment in your life for you to be here to receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.’ I exploded. Because for the very first time I came to realize that it wasn’t anyone else who was wrong, it was me, that I needed forgiveness.”

Woodland said, "After accepting Christ Jesus, into his heart, Ahu also felt he needed to set some things right. He realized forgiveness comes through God and Him alone. “I needed to not only receive forgiveness from the Lord but to go ask for forgiveness from my two ex-wives. And that was an interesting journey.”  He also asked his son, Brandon, to forgive him, because he felt like he had failed him as a father. But Ahu stated, God had already been at work in Brandon’s heart."

For two more years Ahu continued serving in the circuit court. He remarried and he and his wife, Joy, felt it was time for him to leave the bench. I found out that in recent days he works as a clergyman in a young, growing church with his son Brandon. (Isn’t that amazing? Not only did he see the error of his ways, understanding that God’s ways are NOT our ways, but in giving his heart to Jesus, Ahu now has a brand new life! A happy, fulfilling life!)

Being a ‘winner’ isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be…Do you have any situations in your life that you’ve been trying to handle ‘your way?' Have you been saying “It’s not my fault, too often?” Remember ~the old adage is true. Money cannot buy happiness. Success is not the job title we have, the salary we earn, the house we live in, the praise of man, the material things we possess.

For the Christian, living as a winner in this life means being on THE winning side! (Of Christ)

Look UP my friends!

Do You Recognize His Voice?

Psalm 29:4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Have you ever wondered what the voice of Jesus sounded like? What did He sound like when He spoke to His disciples? When He healed blind man? Raised Lazarus from the dead? Healed the leper? The Bible tells us that he was a gentle man. We usually think that meant He was soft spoken and a quiet-natured man, but there were times our Lord spoke with great volume and passion. I assuredly know one thing – when we hear God’s voice, we should definitely listen!

So let’s think about it. There were no microphones or loud-speakers when Jesus spoke to the five thousand near the Sea of Galilee. It is the only miracle that Jesus performed which is described in all four Gospels (Matt. 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6).  If you have ever been in a large crowd, then you know how noisy five thousand people must have been! I personally struggle in a cafeteria or restaurant due to the background noise. And goodness knows when a baby or two cries during church service, sometimes it seems SO loud to those in the service. I was in a church meeting of about 700 members not too long ago – just the chatter before service was quite loud!

When Jesus spoke to the 5,000 - there would have been hundreds of people hundreds of feet away. In a traditional arena, people could not possibly of heard the average speaker. It would have taken a miracle for all to hear, and I’m sure they all did hear each and every word. No one missed out on what He had to say that day!  Psalm 29:3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.

It is my opinion that Jesus’ voice is whatever the Believer needs it to be, for whoever needs to hear it. There are no words that can truly illuminate and describe His voice, but the Christian knows it when He speaks to you. Sometimes it is a tug at the heartstrings, a pitter patter of the heart, quiet thoughts in one’s head, or that still small voice that speaks so clearly. His voice is recognizable to His children. Just like a shepherd and his sheep – they recognize the voice of their master! Likewise should the Christian, listen and recognize our Master!

Examine your heart ~ Do you say "Yes Lord, I hear You”… or do you pretend not to hear? Do you secretly avoid listening to His voice because you’re not ready to let go of a specific hurt or bitterness? Sometimes I contemplate the sadness in His voice when He says: "There my people sit, wearing the varnish off of all the church pews, while the harvest fields are ready, and still they sit.”  Or maybe you ignore Him when He says, “It’s time to forgive.”  

How does the Believer know what He is saying? Recognize His Voice! Know that He does not confuse! Know that His voice is a voice of love. Of mercy. His voice will supersede your own desires and thoughts, if you allow it. If you fix your eyes upon Jesus, that intuitive voice comes from Jesus. If you fix your gaze upon some desire of your heart, the intuitive flow comes out of that desire of your heart.

One pastor says, "To have a pure flow you must foremost become still, and secondly, you must carefully fix your eyes upon Jesus." (Have I said that enough? Fix your eyes on Jesus!) Again I will say, quietly worshiping the Master, and then receiving out of the stillness that follows quite effortlessly permits us to hear the voice of God. (What a blessing!)

So, I ask…What has He shared with you today? Did you recognize His voice?

Look UP my friends!

A Music Lesson from Mr. Shea

Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.

You may have heard the news that the beloved and famed gospel singer George Beverly Shea, who regularly opened for Dr. Billy Graham at his crusades for nearly six decades, passed away Tuesday evening "following a brief illness." He was 104. (Yes, 104 years young!) His rendition of "How Great Thou Art" came to define the faith of a Protestant generation that Graham helped bring to Jesus Christ," noted the Associated Press. "He performed live before an estimated 200 million people at crusades over the years — taking him from North Dakota to North Korea and beyond." That’s a pretty great letter of recommendation from the media! Although, the Christian understands it wasn’t the applause of people or the fame that Mr. Shea craved. His desire (as he voiced on many occasions) was to please and serve God.

One writer said, "Since George Beverly Shea first sang for Graham in 1943 on the Chicago radio hymn program, “Songs in the Night,” Shea has faithfully carried the Gospel in song to every continent and every state in the Union. Graham’s senior by ten years, Shea devotedly preceded the evangelist in song in nearly every Crusade over the span of more than one-half century." The history of George Beverly Shea, in many senses, is the history of Christian music in the 20th century," noted his authorized biographer, Paul Davis, in an interview after Shea's 100th birthday. "The number of people George has sung to is larger than anybody else in history. We know that because broadly speaking, it's the same number that Billy Graham has preached to." Mr. Shea was also the oldest Grammy winner in American history – winning a Grammy at age 102.

Said Billy Graham: “I first met Bev Shea while in Chicago when he was on Moody Radio. As a young man starting my ministry, I asked Bev if he would join me. He said yes and for over 60 years we had the privilege of ministering together across the country and around the world. Bev was one of the most humble, gracious men I have ever known and one of my closest friends. I loved him as a brother. My prayer for his wife, Karlene, and his children, Ron and Elaine, is that God will strengthen them during this time.”

I thought that was a beautiful sentiment – that Dr. Graham loved Mr. Shea as a brother and that he thought he was a gracious man. I think there’s a lesson to be learned here – a music lesson of sorts. But let me preface, that as a Christian, we know that it isn’t healthy or spiritually nutritious to fix our eyes “on man.” We should ONLY look to Jesus as an example for righteous living. You know He is the only person who won’t let us down, right?

First, Mr. Shea surrounded himself with other Believers. On a steady basis! Other people who encouraged him to stay the course. I’ve never met Dr. Billy Graham, but I think that he’s a pretty good example of a faithful friend! I heard Dr. Graham say recently that he had “been friends with “Bev” for over 70 years and I still like him better than I like myself.” {Life Moment – that’s quite a testimony! We should all be worthy of being called a great friend!} Just like music notes accompany one other – the Christian is wise to keep company with other Believers. You’re more likely to receive good support and Godly prayers from Godly people.

Secondly, Mr. Shea didn’t quit. I’m sure he experienced trials and tribulations like we all do. Yet, he stayed the course. He finished his God-called duty. When his arthritis and age were a challenge to his personal affliction – he persevered – traveled thousands of miles every year to sing the Gospel to people sacrificially. He put God before his own wants/needs. I know in writing music, stories, or books, a writer will often put the body of work down. Walk away. And then go back and pick it up again. We should glean from this – keep pushing through, get up again, face another day with God on our side. It’s good for the Christian to face each trial with “Blessed Assurance!” The tip …the Christian knows that Jesus is with you. HE won’t quit.

Finally, Mr. Shea remained humble. He took no glory in his own talents or fame. He continuously uplifted the name of Jesus. Some people have said that “Bev” sang with humility that pointed others to the Cross without pretension.” What a wonderful testimony! As heavenly hymns do so well, as Mr. Shea did, the Christian’s heart should point people to the cross! It is there, at the Cross – where the ground is level.

Look UP my friends!

Eyes on Boston

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

The most recent account I heard on the news was that 17 people are in critical condition, 145 were wounded, and at least three people were killed in yesterday’s Boston, Massachusetts explosions – I hesitate to use the word terror attack, but it does seem to be one. We have yet to learn specifics, and whether it was domestic or internationally derived. Regardless, this heinous act has brought sorrow and sadness to families, the city, and the United States as a whole. It’s difficult to comprehend why or what compels someone to so brutally and caustically hurt another – someone they’ve never met, someone they don’t know, someone’s wife, husband, daughter, son, brother.  It’s time like these, we’re reminded how precious life is – and how short it is. I can’t imagine losing my 9-year old girl, 8-year old son, or my 2-year old child! Especially under these circumstances.  It’s just senseless and heart breaking. The Christian should be praying that in some way, this barbaric crime against humanity will turn our eyes and hearts to the Lord – for He ALONE is our comfort and strength.

The fact is we cannot manage anyone’s responses to life except our own. It is important to remember that the eyes of the world will be on Boston the next several weeks, but eyes are on the Christian every single day. Paying attention to your own responses will help you think about what you are bringing to encounters you have with others.

 Sometimes our own ragged edges toil like an enormous mixer, stirring up irritation and anger. Let’s be mindful, especially around non-Believers, not to discourage them by vocalizing our own pain and suffering. I’m focused on Philippians 4:8 today –  ^“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  It can be challenging, but we really DO need to set our minds on things that are lovely – when we don’t feel like it – things that are of a good report!

Today, be deliberate in watching your tones, your responses, and your words. Choose words that are kind. Choose words that are true and encouraging – through God – not ourselves.

 Hearts are sad today – for various reasons –so, be genuine. A false sense of encouragement will be viewed as disingenuous. Keep it real. People need to be reminded that they’re loved! Particularly during a depressive or “down” time in their lives. We are ALL loved – worthy or not – God loves us.

The old adage still holds true: “People will seldom remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

Keep God’s wisdom, His presence, close at hand today. The effect in your office, home, and encounters with others will be worth the effort.

Prayer: Today I will think on things that are pure, honest, lovely, and of a good report. I will focus on something good from God, rather than the evil of man. My mind is peaceful, quiet, and strong, yet, as my heart is saddened, I lift up those who have recently fallen. I ask you, God, to comfort them and draw them into Your arms of grace during this testing time. I open my heart and ask you to allow me to help someone else today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Look UP my friends!