Shallow Theology

Someone gave me a small pamphlet recently entitled, “Why I Stopped Being a Christian.” Initially I was a little shocked; maybe even a little prideful at the moment, because my immediate thought was, “Does this person not know that I am a sincere born again Believer?” I took a few minutes to read this “brochure” (hoping to learn something to encourage this person) but promptly tossed it in the trash. I didn’t think it was appropriate or wise for me to keep it – in fact before I tossed it out, my heart began to beat a little faster, my hands felt heavy, and my spirit was convicted! Take it from me, don't even entertain garbage if you don't have to! Just toss it! As Christians, we need to understand that the spirit of the world doesn’t operate on what you mean – it operates on what you say. Before we assail principalities and powers of the adversary, the Christian must be aware of two things.

#1 – Our past                        #2 – Our future

One of the things that re-educated me in the earlier referenced brochure is that many people, many Christians, are at their breaking point. The common denominator seemed to be the feeling of “giving up because it’s not worth it.”  People are hurting for a mixture of reasons. Folks are facing disappointments and troubled times. I’m hearing it more and more as I receive feedback through Cornerstoneofstrength. I think it is a natural emotion for most people to feel like giving up from time to time – merely from exhaustion, unreturned efforts, or lack of support. But, I think it’s important to note that while we may want to give up on OURSELVES, the Christian should rarely entertain thoughts on quitting on their love for God. It’s a dangerous road to travel!

Have you considered spiritual attacks – spiritual warfare? It’s a real occurrence. One of the surest signs of spiritual attack is the feeling that you want to throw your hands up and quit. A growing number of ministers have communicated with my husband in recent months, sharing their concern for those in their flock. Members who are simply giving up!

Be wise fellow Christian! You must have the TOOLS for spiritual warfare. It starts with God’s Word. It begins by turning to Jesus. To hear some ministers tell it, every Christian is receiving miracles. Everybody is getting instant answers. Everybody is happy. Send in your “seed money” and you’ll get rich very soon. Everyone is living well – problems are easily solved upon praying a single prayer. Basically, the whole world is bright and rosy if we just THINK positively about life.  

Oh, my friend. This is heartbreaking! I do wish all of those good and healthy things for God’s people, but that’s not the way things are for a large number of very sincere and honest Christians. Beware of shallow theology! Shallow theology is an insult to a lowly Jesus who left the glories of heaven to dwell among the poor. One writer said, "The lowly Jesus, who died a failure in the eyes of the world. We must remember our FUTURE when we’re under spiritual warfare."  It’s also healthy to remember the adversary’s future. Revelation Chapter 20 says he will be cast into a lake of fire!  “I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

One of our neighbours has a beautiful cactus in her front yard. As you know, they are survivors! The cactus grows in dry, barren land. The cactus doesn’t quit during a drought! We should take a lesson from them. (I’ll include a photo for you to enjoy).

Look up my friends!

If You're Happy

Proverbs 3:13 - Happy is the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Today I’ve had the little song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” stuck in my head. Perhaps you remember it too…

“If you’re happy and you know it…say Amen!

If you’re happy and you know it…say Amen!

If you’re happy and you know, then your life will surely show it, if you’re happy and you know it, say Amen!”

I think we can all agree, that life isn’t the consistent proverbial “bowl of cherries,” but our lives are blessed regardless – that is to say, if you’re a Christian and you have a personal relationship with Jesus. There’s a peace, coupled with happiness, which the true Believer cannot extinguish.

Today I watched a cat chase its tail for several minutes. It was on a high-impact, full-out, high speed chase to catch its long, fluffy tail! After several minutes, it gave up, panting, tongue hanging out, and collapsed onto the cool cement to reconsider his strategy. The expression on his face was pure sadness. I felt bad for him. It reminded me that often we humans "chase" happiness like that.

It isn’t humanly possible to be “over the moon” happy 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Because, let’s face it, life is full of obstacles, disappointments, and frustrations. However, for the Christian it is important to remind ourselves that NOTHING OR NOBODY can take away our joy in Christ – our true happiness!

The Bible does not promise that as Christians we will have a countless supply of happier experiences than the non-Believer.  The Bible (God’s infallible Word) promises that the Christian has a better life to come – not better circumstances here on Earth! There’s a distinct difference.

What’s the secret to happiness you ask? My best and briefest answer…Jesus Christ. How do we obtain happiness? It isn’t a show-boat characteristic. It isn’t by laughing loudly and being the center of attention. Happiness – real happiness-STARTS with God. On the inside.  

Have you considered that God wants YOU to be happy? It’s true! God wants His children to be happy. But!  (Isn’t there always a “but!”) He wants us to obtain happiness – but it’s not a destination.  Happiness is the landscape we experience as we live closer to God in obedience. Happiness is the RESULT of a “God First” attitude and lifestyle!

So, if you’re happy and you know it, THEN YOUR LIFE will surely show it! If you’re happy and you know it…say Amen!

Look UP my friends!

No Place Like Home

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them – Matthew 18:20

As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, “There’s no place like home!” Home can take on different connotations for different people, but for the Christian ‘home’ takes on three places. Home is the place where you actively live, home is our heavenly home that God went to prepare for us, and home is where we go to worship the Lord in His sanctuary. Have you noticed that everybody’s home has its own unique aroma and fiber of breath? I warmly recall the aroma my grandmother’s house used to have. Her bathroom was a mixture of Ponds ® Cold Cream and Avon ® fragrances. Often I would spend hours opening jars, inhaling, and trying on each lotion and potion. It was soothing and refreshing to my childhood spirit. Her kitchen was a heavenly mixture of bacon and brown sugar most days. To this day when I smell meatloaf cooking in the oven, I think of my grandmother.  Perhaps certain aromas trigger your essence of home as well?

Our homes are extraordinary. They tell our story! They’re our refuge from the world. The House of God we’re committed to tells our story too. The Bible tells us that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and “if it were not so, He would have told us.” We cannot imagine the splendor and holiness of our eternal home. Just the word, “home” brings its own blessing of comfort.

Take for example my church home – I just feel better walking within its doors. Sometimes when going to our mid-week service my body is tired and my soul is weary – but going to hear God’s Word, listening to prayer requests, petitioning those requests on a holy altar is a privilege I don’t want to miss out on. The Believer’s church home is the place where we really need to be aware of what and who we are.  After all, it is holy ground and should be kept as such. It’s time to forget about our problems for a little while, lay down our burdens and anxieties, and come together to worship our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Where else can you be blessed in shared worship in His tabernacle? I encourage you to be found faithful.

In America we have the freedom to be who we really are – and I hope that isn’t something that we take for granted. To be WHAT and WHO we are in Christ is the best definition of home in my opinion – it is also a tremendous FREEDOM we need not take for granted. Life Moment: There’s no use in pretending to be a Christian if you aren’t one. God knows the truth. He knows our hearts, our motives, and our hidden meanings. As the old adage goes, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God any of the time.

Consider your home life. Does it reflect the real you?

Look within. Ask yourself the following questions: What does my church home say about me? Do I glorify God in faithful worship and Him alone?  Am I regularly dining at the family table – spiritually speaking?

I recognize the best part of my earthly home is connected and centered on the fact that my husband lives in our home with me. Without him, it wouldn’t be the same. Without him, it would not feel like home as I currently know it. In some perspective, God feels that way about us. When His children don’t enter His home, He misses them!

When our kids grow up and move out of the house, it is called “empty nest” syndrome for a reason…Is God missing you in His house? In your conversation? Your prayers? Your reading of His Word? You CAN go home to God -- He is waiting!

Look UP my friends!

A Prayer on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a much beloved holiday for Americans – on a superficial aspect it signifies the opening of swimming pools, first beach trips for families, picnics, three-day weekends, open sun-roofs, first sun-burns, and lots of outdoor sports. When I think of Memorial Day I can’t help but reminisce about my elementary school years – planting little American flags alongside oblique tombstones, all the same shapes, white-gray in appearance, perfectly aligned in straight rows.  My 4-H group would visit two or three graveyards to pay tribute and respect to our American veterans. It wasn’t eerie or scary in any way. We were taught that our freedoms had come via great price to others. Maybe many of you have similar experiences as well – Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, etc. Like me, I imagine that other Christians have a desire to be called a patriot to their beloved home country. At least, I sure hope so! I still want to be called patriotic even though elementary school was many decades ago.

Where does this patriotic view start for the Christian you ask? Well, in my opinion Memorial Day is a good place to begin. This holiday is a reminder that we are part of a nation, given privileges, civil rights, and responsibilities, as the result of the sacrifice of others. It is a reminder that we are indebted to many people. Many soldiers died for the causes of liberty, freedom, peace, and happiness. Recognizing our debt acknowledges gratitude! Oh dear friend, may I respectfully remind you that the Christian has a lot to be grateful for? Extending our gratitude to God serves a great purpose for the patriotic Christian.

We want to remember things – certain things – good things - for us to remember and memorialize on this holiday. The austere reality is that men and women have died for our freedom to worship freely, and in some way I think that this serves God. After all, He gave His Son for our eternal spiritual freedom!

Whether you’re enjoying a day off from work on Monday, grilling out with the family, participating in civic remembrances throughout our nation, let us not forget that LIFE is not a game. Patriotism is a valued characteristic for all people, but especially a Christian person. Christians should love and serve the great nation of which we are a part, to the glory of God.

A Few Things to Remember:

Freedom is not or was not ever free! Blood was shed.

We need to remember each other – Those fallen, slain, sacrificed, and bruised for us!

We need to remember the truth of God!

We are to remember the Lord!

We should remember the freedom Jesus gave us on the cross!

We should remember our commitments to God!

Sending a tremendous thank you to all the women and men who so bravely serve our country. May God richly bless you! And for my friends in other countries – May God Bless YOU too!

Look UP my friends!

Today’s Prayer:  Heavenly Father, as I bow before you, I want to thank you for the freedoms I have – the ability to worship you in my sanctuary of choice. Thank you for the Cross- where my soul was truly set free! I want to remember those men and women, those families, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedoms – so selflessly paying a debt for those they don’t even know. I ask that you protect these brave people in your strong and sheltering arms. Bless those actively serving, and those who so diligently served in the past. Fill them with courage to face each day and may that trust in you, Lord, to accomplish each task. Fill your people with a love for the blood-stained banner of Jesus!  Bless this nation, Father.  Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones this Memorial Day. Let your healing be the hope and light within our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GI Joe

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I John 2:15

I didn't notice anything at first. I was standing on the sidewalk, scanning for my car. If you look at today's picture you’ll see what I call a “GI Joe” man with his rifle pointed; ready to shoot. I almost stepped right on the ‘military man’ when I was leaving a large home supply store a couple of nights ago. It struck me just how easily (and expertly) the figure blended in with its surroundings. I was also quite relieved I didn’t step on him in my heels – might have broken an ankle! (I was unable to upload the pic I took with my phone, but I found the closest one possible for today's post).

 As I stooped to spontaneously take the picture with the camera phone, I heard a voice say, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. Why are you taking a picture of the sidewalk?” asked an elderly stranger. I tried to remain kind and responded, “Well, I’m taking a picture of the GI Joe on the ground – he blends in very well.” His response: “I don’t’ see a GI Joe. I think you might be crazy, lady.” (Wow!  People can say callous things sometimes! The Christian needs to be mindful of senseless and hurtful comments. Think before speaking!)

I pointed to the GI Joe with my finger. “See, he’s right there. (I made a point not to be sarcastic) Good thing it isn’t a snake or one of those giant 17-year cicadas!” I said. (Thinking he would laugh). I was wrong. No laughter. More scowling. More sarcasm. More admonishment. I finally said, “Sir. I could have stepped on it – broken an ankle. Your wife could have stepped on him – fell and broken a hip. I’m taking a picture to use for some Christian writing that I do. I think I can use this GI Joe as an illustration in the near future.”

He scurried off like the GI Joe had shot him! No more admonishment! (Life Moment: I have found that when you talk about Jesus and/or God, people often want to escape your company. It makes them uncomfortable. Have you found this to be true also?)

My point is this: As a Christian we need to be aware of how much we “blend” in with the world. Pop culture has a way of imbedding itself into our psyche and warping our minds. Really! You’ve read this in my blog before, but polls show that many of us are very “religious” concerning church involvement and things of a religious nature. Yet, in America, we watch an average of four hours of mindless television per day. The Christian sometimes fails to educate themselves about Biblical truths. We seldom read the Bible and/or Godly books. Theology gets mixed up with basic doctrines. Some of the very most popular Christian authors and teachers may lapse into heresy or uncharacteristic doctrine, yet, the true Christian may miss the inconsistencies all together. Simple conclusion: We aren’t as grounded and ‘separated’ as we could be.

I’m not attempting to pass judgment or brow-beat religion (or my opinions on religion) into someone, but I dare say, we need to be mindful of who, what, where, and when we’re investing our energies. I read an article today that referenced how few Christians share their faith regularly (or without being properly indoctrinated in what the Bible teaches us). It’s easy to get stumped when faced with belligerent or challenging questions, so it’s good to be wise when talking about your personal beliefs. Many citizens across the world don’t accept Christianity as the “One True Faith” anymore. It’s our job to educate when possible. The Christian understands that Jesus cannot be one of many ways— He is the One - the ONLY way! One Gallup poll comments, "It's not that Americans don't believe anything; they believe everything." (Oh my! How sad my friends!)

The Lord Jesus Christ does not want us to believe in everything— rather, only the truth (John 14:6).

Before you go to sleep tonight, consider asking God to help you share your faith a little more. To help you study His Word a little more. To create in you a clean heart…Ask Him to help you NOT to blend in with non-Believers so effectively! Don't let God within you - be carried out in GI Joe fashion! The Bible says the Christian is “a peculiar people.” That’s a good thing!

Look UP my friends!

Comfort During The Storm

My heart was saddened this morning when a co-worker shared that her 7 year old daughter didn’t want to go to school this morning, because she was, ‘afraid her school would be blown away.’ Understandably, her mind was fearful from what she had seen on television regarding the status of a little town of 56,000 people in Oklahoma. On Monday, a devastating tornado slashed through approximately a two –mile width; 22 mile length of Moore, Oklahoma, devastating everything in its path.

(That is except for the resilient hope of the American people and the eternal Hope of the Christian – the power to look to God for comfort during our storms). The storm savaged the town of Moore in 40 minutes. In less than an hour – homes were lost, people died, schools were leveled, cars were thrown like toothpicks, and hospitals took on the persona of bombing victims. It was described by Todd Lamb, Oklahoma's lieutenant governor, as like a "two-mile wide lawnmower blade going through the community", while Mary Fallin, the state's governor, said after an aerial tour: "There's just sticks and bricks basically."

A number of relief organizations are responding to the disaster in Moore, Oklahoma. The web reports, "The general public can help with recovery efforts through organizations such as American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Those organizations, among others, are already on site helping families with immediate needs and supporting the first responders." The American Red Cross has opened shelters in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. It has deployed emergency reponse vehicles, water, and hot meals for both survivors and responders. To support the relief efforts, the Red Cross is accepting online donations. People can send the text message “REDCROSS” to 90999 to immediately donate $10, or they can call 800-REDCROSS. The Salvation Army has also sent disaster response teams to Moore, including mobile feeding unites. It is accepting online donations, and it also has a text-message donation option: text “STORM” to 80888. Donate via phone by calling 800-SALARMY. (Please keep in mind that NEITHER organization solicits for donations over the telephone! Do not give out any personal information on the telephone – unfortunately in critical times like these, there are vultures ready to prey on the weak. Be on alert for scams! I've basically copied and pasted basic info for your personal research.)

It is difficult to see sorrowful things happen. It is also hard to understand them sometimes. I know one thing to be true, contrary to what I heard a news reporter say. He said, "Mother Nature was made at us, and she took her anger out on Moore, Oklahoma." That isn’t true. First of all, I understand the “cute terms” and things we use to describe an Almighty God, but it is God who controls the winds and the waves. The use of the term “Mother Nature” hurts me – because it minimizes the Creator of the universe. The giver of Life! While we cannot understand these devastating events, I do know an Almighty God is there for us – with open arms. He will be our comfort during the storm – literally.

Cornerstones of Strength I wish to share:

When assailed by afflictions – The Christian finds liberty

When forced with sorrow – The Christian knows mercy

Through people’s hate – The Christian discovers love

Through cruel adversity – The Christian understands grace

When the storms come – The Christian finds shelter in His arms

Look UP my friends!

Praise Ye' the Lord

I had a good quality laugh-out-loud moment when I came across the four-legged friend in the picture above. He looks quite intense, doesn’t he?! His stance is tall, hands are high in the air, and his expression appears genuine and passionate. The caption for the picture said, “Thank you, Jesus!” I liked that…When people thank God, we could take a lesson and thank HIM with our entire being! After all, regardless of today’s circumstance, we DO have a lot to be thankful for!

 On a spontaneous note, please allow me to name just a few: the ability to breath, hands that may work, legs that might work, a tongue to taste, eyes that might see, God’s Word – the Bible, ears that may hear, a mind that functions, a heart that beats, a healthy child whom you love, a healthy spouse, your own health, a great church to serve in, gas in the car, having a necessary mode of transportation, a warm bed, food, a roof over your head, a job to go to, a friend, a recent emotional victory, the love from a pet, the ability to attend a God-fearing church (a little redundant, but worth repeating), a Christian home, freedom to worship, and last but not least…SALVATION! (The list could keep going and going. We really do have much to be thankful for don’t we? Perhaps you don’t have everything on my short list – If you’re a Christian, you still have plenty to be thankful for my friend!)

Upon studying the picture of our little squirrel friend, I couldn’t help but be reminded that as a Christian, we should be so bold in our worship and praise! I’m not talking about show-boating and trying to “Amen” the loudest. I’m not referencing “falling out” for attention seeking purposes. I’m talking about unabashed, unashamed, sincere, reverential, heart-felt, Christ-centered, humble worship for God.

I would encourage you to raise a holy hand toward heaven if God leads you to do it. I encourage you to say an “Amen” or “Hallelujah” (or two or three) if what the preacher says witnesses to your spirit and you want to bring glory to God. (Just be cautious not to get caught up in superficial or shallow outward conduct – praising God is a serious character trait for the Christian!) I know a lot of times when I’m alone in the car – a song may minister to my soul. The next thing I know, tears are flowing; I’m  raising my hand toward heaven in praise  (trying not to be dangerous when I do!) and I sort of have my own “private church” right there in the car. I imagine many Christians do this too – whether at home, in your car, in your cubicle at work, outdoors on a walking trail – everywhere people go, God goes! Worshipping and praising God is ‘just plain good’ anywhere!

Psalm 150: 1-2 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Graham Truscott said about worship – “When God’s people being to praise and worship Him using the Biblical methods He gives, the Power of His presence comes among His people in an even greater measure.”Jack Hayford said, “Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.”

Isn’t that beautiful? Let’s be mindful of the One we worship and adore!

Look UP my friends!