LOOK UP!

As I struggle to get around these days without running in to everything on the left side of my range of sight, I so greatly appreciate the help that my darling husband gives me.  I don’t have to see as well when he is on my left side. 

And as we struggle to handle the problems and pains that come to our lives, we need to remember that we don’t have to do that alone either.  

I heard something today about that “I can do it” idea.  That “Having faith and confidence in yourself, will be the recipe you need to succeed.”  I wonder about that, and I wonder if you wonder too. 

 Frequently, we hear or see the following sentiment on posters. 

“If I look inside myself and believe in myself, I can do anything.” 

Of course, it helps when a person has confidence in their own abilities.  Otherwise, for myself, I find, I might not even try.  

But does the strength to try truly come from looking inward - from looking only inside myself?  

We do need to look inside ourselves,
but we also need to look around. 

Each bit of knowledge builds on previous knowledge, previous work by someone else, or evidence of what is, and what caused what is. 

To author something, even the most brilliant scientist needs the basic understanding of how our world conducts itself.  Wind, water, electricity, gravity, all of creation goes into the research of the next idea or invention.  Sometimes I try to sound like I understand all that, but I don’t.  We also need people who do.

So we do need to look in,
and look around,
but finally,

the most important resource we need will appear
when we look up.

The Bible tells us that we do have help; we have a very strong Father.  God told the Israelite people through Isaiah the prophet. 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, 
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

And Jesus told us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask the Father. And then finally, Jesus told his followers He would always be with them.  As we read in Matthew 28 - 

          “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Those of us who struggle "To Do"
find that with God's help, 

They CAN do!

I need to look in, and around – 
but most importantly, 
Open my eyes and look up!

Freedom?

 

 Thoughts from Diane’s heart

During these past months our country has been filled with discussion about personal freedom, about pro – choice, pro – life, pro – freedom.  Freedom to do whatever we wanted with our bodies, and with our children.  There was a lot of talk about the government having too much control over our lives.  Too much or too little control regarding immunizations, masks, and restrictions.  

This may sound a little strange to people, but I’ve just about had all the “freedom” talk that I need.

Many of us, in this country, seem to only see freedom as necessary when it serves our own purposes. People on both sides of any issue shout “freedom!”  But what do they really mean, and when is it necessary to consider the ramifications of that version of freedom? 

You may have stopped reading there because it may seem that I’m stepping on your chosen idol, but please think with me about those issues in light of God’s word. 

The Bible says, “Now the Lord is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom.”  2 Cor 3: 17.

Jesus came to earth to show us what the Spirit of the Lord is like.  He came to die and to free us - from sin and the consequences of sin.  So, if we accept that gift, we are free.  But your freedom depends on the same thing mine does – God’s holiness, His love and forgiveness.  And if I choose to live my life in a way that is not loving and forgiving, I am throwing God’s gift in the trash can.  If, when I make choices, I don’t consider anyone other than myself, I am ignoring that precious gift.

Have you heard about William Wilberforce, a British politician who, in the late 1700s fought with all his might and his life to end slavery in England?  He accomplished amazing things.  But do you know what else he was so concerned about, a view that made him disliked and ridiculed?  He fought for a return to MANNERS – treating others politely.  There was an awful lot of hateful talk going on then, just as there is now.  I think that was something tied directly to Wilberforce’s view of goodness.

Most importantly, in Christ’s sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:43), Jesus tells His followers, “You have heard it said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you, Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be like your Father in heaven.”  Jesus did not say for us to yell at each other, put each other down or make unkind remarks about those people we disagree with.   He said to love them. 

Just a little poke here, He didn’t say to love them if they don’t step on your “freedom.”  He said love them and pray for them period.

If I love like Jesus did

If I care as much as He

If I strive to be His child

I won’t need to prove I’m free. 

I won’t hate you for your thoughts
or demand that we agree.
or forget God made us all
and loves both you and me.

If I love as He loves

I pray that God will use these words in a way that He approves, and that I am unable to do. 

Diane