Thoughts today about a lion

I love reading, especially fiction, some of which seems meant to bring me truth.  Much of the time the writer portrays in a new way, something very familiar.  In C.S. Lewis’ book, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, we read the following quote.

Many of us have enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis.  And many of us have pictured Lewis’ description of Aslan, as a representation or a picture of our Savior, Jesus.

 Those are interesting thought pictures.  Were they correct?  Is Lewis’ Aslan really representative of Jesus?  Is Jesus safe (tame); is Jesus good?  Of course, there is no question in my own mind that Jesus is God and God is good and God is King!

 Since the question of a “good” God keeps coming up in discussions of tragedy and pain, I decided to consider the idea of trusting God in His “goodness.”  Must whatever we believe comes from God,  match our own limited view of “goodness”? 

Do we think that “Good” means being good for me at this present time – good, as in pleasant, or harmless, or painless? 

We cannot understand the mind of Christ. We are not God. The key is found in scripture.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 
neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8 (KJV)

But, if we ask whether God is safe, as Susan asked, referring to the lion in the quote above, the answer is definitely yes. God is safe.  Safety is found nowhere else.  We can appeal to Him.  We can ask for His help.  We can ask, and He will grant those things that He knows are “meant for His good.”  

But God is not tame – He cannot be led around, manipulated, or trained.  He is definitely not tame.  He is God – The King. 

Lewis’ writings are not scripture, but as with other writings by excellent authors, we may be able to learn something, or possibly picture something that wasn’t clear to us before reading them.  In addition, the questions asked in a particular story are questions that people ask in many different ways, questions to which we sometimes erroneously believe the easy answers. 

Is God good, can we trust Him?  Yes, the scriptures tell us that God is good!  He is kind.  He is upright.  He is our place of refuge, and He blesses us.  We read in the scriptures: 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Psalm 118:29 (NASB) 

“Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore, He instructs sinners in the way.”
  Psalm 25:8 (ESV) 

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”  Psalm 34:8 (ESV) 

This scripture decries the notion that God can be tamed.  He cannot be controlled.  He is beyond our human understanding. 

“By His breath the heavens are cleared; 
His hand has pierced the fleeing serpent.
Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; 
And how faint a word we hear of Him!
But His mighty thunder, who can understand?”  
Deuteronomy 32:4  (NASB) 

“Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”  
Isaiah 40:28  (ESV) 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9  (NIV) 

Whether C.S. Lewis endeavored to describe our God in his writings, 

I don’t know.  I do know that God shows His works and His worth in many ways.   But without a doubt, God is not a lion, a fictional character, or any man or woman’s idea.
 
He is
 the almighty, eternal,
invisible, creator,
the one who loves each one of us - His children.
And He is Good.

The Window Pane

Wow, the dining room window on the east side of the house is dirty!! 

When the sun shown on that window yesterday, I was frustrated because I couldn’t see much beyond the pane.  It’s spring and we should be able to enjoy the beautiful mornings - to enjoy the sun shining on the new green grass, and see the flowers poking their heads up to say hello.

I promised myself I would clean windows last week, and I didn’t.  I threatened to do that yesterday - and I didn’t. So today, I haven’t done it either.  But I have thought about what it means to look at a dirty window, and not what is beyond it.

If you walk out on the front porch, you see the sun, the forsythia bush with its yellow blooms and the grass that’s greening up.  You see small spikes from the bulbs that have been buried all winter, and you smell the fresh morning breeze.  That’s a great start, isn’t it? All because I stopped trying to look through a dirty window and moved out into the world.

     Look beyond dull window glass.

     Yes, look beyond the pane.

     Look beyond perfection’s loss 

     and see more than the stain.

     Look beyond the prickly thorn 

     and smell the yellow rose.   

                    Because

   When we look beyond the cloudiness

    we'll find contentment grows.

We read a bit about that in the Bible.  Paul is talking about peace, and he tells us that the peace comes when we look beyond the negative and think about the good and true and beautiful. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

I don't know about you, but I sure need to remember that.

Memory's Mirror

It's about five weeks until Resurrection Sunday - people call that day Easter. 

About five weeks until we say together, 

"He is risen!"

He is risen already.  All those years ago, Jesus, the Christ, rose from the dead to proclaim that He has paid it all.  He had suffered the separation and death that we, human people, have earned by our sins.

Today, I was looking at the mirror of my heart.  I was thinking about what I truly believe was my part in His suffering - my sin.  The price that Jesus agreed to pay with His death should have been mine.  That thought is so convicting, isn't it?  

Have you ever been the cause of another person's pain or suffering, or death?  If you have, you found, as I have, that when you receive their forgiveness, although it's beautiful and good, it's still hard to bear. Sometimes there is almost more guilt to feel when they forgive you, since forgiving your own self is so difficult.

But God doesn't want us to wallow in our guilt.  He just wants us to acknowledge it, and accept with joy, His forgiveness and love.  So I'm working on that part.  I hope you are too.

It’s so hard to see the picture that the One who made me saw
when He painted all my features in His mind.

And it's hard to see His plans for me - His perfect will displayed, 

when I look in memory’s mirror,
and I find 

a messy tarnished drawing that is filling up the space,
as sin’s dark, blotted shadows aim to cover up my face,
reflecting there a picture of my sin and my disgrace.

The image there can’t show God’s love.  It overlooks His grace. 

Instead, 

the Heavenly Easter mirror shows
God paid sin’s penalty.
Since as I look into that glass
a different view I see.
The dark and blotted shadows
have been cast into the sea.
And in that glass I find God's love
has taken them from me.
 
Now I faintly see the picture that the one who made me saw
As He fashioned my own features in His mind.
I faintly see His plans for me, His perfect will appears 
when I look into the mirror He left behind.

He arose - the tomb is empty.  His Children are forgiven.

The Curtain - The Veil

The Veil - It was there in the Old Testament Tabernacle

It was there in the Temple where sacrifices were offered, and prayers were said.

It was there – separating common man from the presence of Almighty God.  

Mankind had stepped away from the holy presence of God and decided to be their own gods.  They determined to live their lives apart from Him.  And the separation began.

But the Holy Almighty God knew that this total separation would not work for the good of His people, so He allowed worship in a “veil cloaked” world.

The wonderful Word tells us that when Jesus poured out His life on that cross on the hill, the veil in front of the Holy Place was split.  God did that – a 60 foot tall, 4-inch-thick barrier was split from top to bottom. 

When God split the curtain, the veil, He opened to all believers the opportunity to enter His presence.  He offers us the opportunity to talk to Him – to approach His throne – to pour out our pains and praises to Him - to the only one who can possibly do anything about our world. 

And we are now given the opportunity to be adopted into His family; to become acknowledged as daughters and sons of the King.  Through the sacrifice of Jesus on that cross, the barriers to a life as children of The King have been destroyed.  God dwells with His people.

God destroyed the barrier between Himself and the people who worshipped Him.

The Veil was torn by the almighty hand - 

the masterful hand of the King.

From the heaven to earth,

From God’s throne to man’s heart,

Came the dawn of a blossoming spring.

 

It wakened a new life - a life of new joy

As God beaconed us near to His throne.

Since God’s Son loved us so, He was willing to die

And open the door of His home.

 

Yes, the Veil was torn from by the hand of our King

Giving His life on this earth in our place.

He would pay off the debts of dark sin in our lives

And bring in the “light” of God's grace.

 

Jesus is the light of the world!

He says "Have Faith in Me."

Don't you sometimes wish you had the eyes of a cat and could see in the dark, or the agility of a cat and could land on your feet at the most awkward times?  

There are so many things that God put into His furry creatures - abilities that are amazing and different.  

All of us wander in the dark, and walk along unknown paths.  No person has even the smallest conception of what is waiting for us around the bend. 

There are valleys that loom in our unknowns.  Mountains, rocks and darkness may await us.  There are also beautiful vistas to see, warmth to feel, and pleasure to experience.

Do you wish you knew, wish you could see what lies ahead.  We can't, - it's that simple.

But we CAN know that there is someone who does see, who is watching our steps and cares deeply for us.  Our Father God knows and cares.  The Bible tells us. 

Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.  

1 Peter 5:7 

〰〰〰〰

This is something that I hear God saying to me when I cry.

〰〰

Just for the present moment, God says, "Have faith in Me.
 
The clouds around you gather, but in those clouds I'll be.
The storms of life assail you and trials round you see,
but for the present moment, my child, have faith in Me.
 
The darkness may surround you, don’t let it bring you pain
when things don't go as you plan -
I hold the sun and rain.
The cares of life assail you and doubts are running free.
But for the present moment, my child
have faith in Me.
 
Just give me your tomorrows, the fears and cares of life.
And the worry’s about your loved ones,
your husband, child or wife.
 
'Cause don't you see my dear one, I care so much for you.
And I care about your loved ones as you could never do.
Those precious ones in your life are my precious ones you see.
So for the present moment, please give them back to Me.
 
I know at times you worry that you won't have the strength
to walk the road before you, to travel down its length.
But child the road before you is rougher don’t you see
when for the present moment
you don't live faith in Me.
 
Tomorrow starts this moment.  Its tasks and cares abound
but if you need my help, child, I’m there.  Just look around.
My answer there awaits you, although you cannot see.
So for the present moment
my child, have faith in Me.

By Diane Gruchow rev 2020

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