Preparing for Christ's Coming

Below is the devotional I wrote for our women fellowship group. These past weeks have been so busy and stretched that I only led the study once in November, and for that I used a devotional someone else wrote to reflect on the end of the church calandar and the truth that Jesus proclaims.

Usually I am ready and excited to decorate the house this weekend, but today I am only beginning to reflect on Christ's coming. It's good that I am reflecting on it for today's study to prepare my own heart and mind for the coming of Christ.

Most of my thoughts these days are on school activities and how to finish this semester's classes and plan for exams. It is good to step away from all that and reflect on something so much bigger.

May you too take time to pause and reflect on the coming of Christ as we contemplate what God means in our own lives. That's what this period of Advent is all about. May our time of reflection slow us down enough to remind us of the peace and joy that Christ brings to our own life!

Today is the beginning of Advent. In the church we celebrate advent by using the time to prepare for the coming of Christmas. Often people light candles each day, or each Sunday during Advent. Each candle represent part of the preparation.

The first candle is the Prophecy  Candle, next comes the Bethlehem Candle, The Shephard's Candle, and finally the Angel's Candle. Often a fifth candle is lit on Christmas Day to mark Jesus' Birth.

Today we look at the Prophecy Candle. Each day should be celebrated with the reading of a text. Our texts today come scripture that prophecy Jesus coming.   The Bible contains more than 300 passages that speak about the coming of the Messiah. Many of those texts come from Isaiah. I would like us to read two texts, Isaiah 7:14 and 2:1-5.

These passages reflect on the sovereignty of God and his work throughout human history. I find it amazing that hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah wrote of his coming. These passages represent only two of the many ways God shows us his prophetic handiwork. If we believe God is King over all then we claim that he also knows all. The Prophecy Candle reminds us that just as the wise men understood the signs of the times and acted on their understanding of them, we too should claim the handiwork of God, which foretold Jesus birth. Not only should we recognize God's handiwork, we should also reflect on how it appears in our own lives and rejoice that God is there for us.

May we celebrate the amazing act and mystery of prophecy throughout this week. Take time to reflect on how God too knows all the details of our lives, even before i they have unfolded and trust his hand in your own life, just as the prophets trusted in Jesus coming.

Questions: How did the prophets know Jesus was coming? How can we trust prophecies? How can these prophecies give us assurance for our own lives? How can you testify to God’s acts of prophecy in your own life as he guides and encourages to understand how to live for Him?

Trusting God and Doing His Will - A sermon

Enjoyed a few extra days off this week and was asked to preach so the weekend became a time of both rest and reflection.

Trusting God and Doing His Will

Psalms 40:2-9. Revelations 3:7-13, and John 4:34-4

In today’s passages we have a two-fold call, first to trust God and secondly to do his will.

            Jesus makes it clear in the passage from John that He came to finish God’s work. He made it clear that His Father sent Him. He made it clear that He has also sends us. We call this the Great Commission.

            Before anyone can accept a call, one must have trust. The one who is calling for someone to accept the task, must trust that the person can do the task and complete it. The one who is being called, must step out in confidence that he or she can do the task and step out in trust that the one calling believes the task will be completed. I hope that makes sense; because often there can be a breakdown in trust. There may be times when you are called to a task and are just not sure if you have what it takes to get it done and done well, but if the one doing the calling has confidence in you, then you are more willing to step out in faith and try to do it. God had confidence in Jesus and likewise has confidence in us to pick up the task of doing His will.

            Accepting this task takes obedience. Obedience illuminates our hearts and faces as we look toward God for His guidance. When we set our hearts and faces to the task it is like the song, “They will know we are Christians by His love” Our face takes on God’s reflection and we illuminate His love.

            I think this happened in our story about the woman at the well. We know the story. Jesus tells her about her past and offers her living water. As she yearns for the new life He is offering, she begins to absorb His love and cannot help but reflect it. She didn’t plan to become an evangelist, but it happened.

            I have been reading a book about evangelism these past days and I’m learning some new things. My Lutheran upbringing rarely mentioned or challenged me to be evangelistic, though it did happen at times. Over the years, opportunities to learn about evangelism and to share my faith have come more and more.

            In our gospel text today, the woman at the well did not share her experience with Jesus with the intent to evangelize or save her neighbors. Rather, Jesus’ words so shocked, surprised, and excited her that she couldn’t contain the message – she had to share it! She realized she was doubly saved. She was saved from her past, and she was saved for the future. She just had to go and tell someone, anyone!

            There may be times at work, school, on the soccer pitch, or in your own neighborhood when someone asks you a simple question, but you realize that an honest answer requires that you share a testimony of your relationship with Jesus. At such times what do you do? Do you keep it simple, or do you act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit and give an honest testimony of how God is at work in your life? The woman at a well had spent so many years lying about the men in her life and now she had an opportunity to share the truth about a new man; Jesus.

            Jesus had sowed a new seed in her life and it quickly sprouted and was ready for harvest. It doesn’t usually happen so fast. Usually the seed is sown and it takes years for it to begin to germinate and sprout. This is why the John passage points out that the reaper has rarely done the sowing, but it doesn’t matter who reaps the harvest, both the sower and the reaper should be glad and even excited, about the harvest!

            For many of us, there can be years of growth between the sowing and a big harvest. If fact, I think sometimes there are various forms of harvest throughout our lives and years of a little more sowing, a lot of weeding and various transformations in our lives before there is a harvest we can really be proud of.

            I don’t know about you, but this earthly life in between the harvests often wears me out. The demands from work, colleagues, students, children, neighbors, extended family etc. while often is a wonderful opportunity, can also be a challenge that demands our attention. Sometimes the demands seem to hit all at once. When that happens, how do we respond? When God places one more request or challenge before us, what do we do? Do we worry and stress how we can manage or do we turn our face to Him in obedience trusting He will provide?

            Often we have due dates and demands that hit us; how do we respond when the crunch is on? Do we shout and get all excited? Do we wave our arms hoping to clean up or erase the mess before us? Do we shake our fist and cry out, “It’s too much God?” Or do we clasp our hands and fall on our knees in prayer for God’s guidance? Sometimes we fall on our knees physically and other times it is more in our hearts as we turn our face to Him seeking His will first.

            The irony and mystery of how God works in our lives is this – when we act out of obedience and trust, he fills our emptiness and provides His strength to meet the demands before us. It is at this time we also need to remember that our pain is nothing compared to Jesus’ pain on the cross.

            Those who don’t know God or Jesus well might ask why we should be expected or even be asked to finish the King’s work. Barclay’s commentary on John gives three reasons to do the will of God. Doing God’s will is first and foremost, the only way to peace. Secondly, it is the only way to happiness, and thirdly, it is only when we do God’s will that we experience true and perfect power.

            When the woman went to the well in the heat of the day, it wasn’t because her life was so busy that she had no other time to go, rather she went because she hoped no one else was around. She wanted to avoid the usual judgment and stares of her neighbors that brought her embarrassment and pain. But then something amazing happened! When she heard Jesus words; His message made her to seek them out! Before, she had no peace, no happiness, but when she claimed Jesus’ words she had a God-given power that made her race to find her neighbors and bring them to Jesus. When she did that, she became an evangelist!

            Many churches have a habit of seeking out a known name when there is a big event in the church. We look for someone with the reputation of being a motivational speaker, someone who is an expert in the field of speaking. Few of us would consider ourselves experts in our field, but all of us are survivors of one kind or another and all of us have our own story to tell.

            Your story may be of a close call when you narrowly missed a tragedy, or when you did well on a test or exam that you thought you would fail, or when you weren’t prepared for something and God carried you through the challenge. Perhaps some of us may have thought our days were numbered as we lie ill on our beds, yet we are still here today.

            God provides for us each day, some days we may be like the widow who only had one last drop of oil and a little flour but then someone or something comes our way and we are blessed with God’s providence and provisions. If God calls you to tell your story, don’t hide it, but trust that just as God met your needs, he will supply the words to share your testimony. Perhaps you have heard that the Lutheran church is a priesthood of all believers. On October 31^st Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, wouldn’t that be a great day to share your faith with someone close to you. Whether it’s with an unbeliever whose life is empty without God, or a believer that might be struggling in some way, your words can be a source of encouragement and a testimony to what God is doing in your life. When pastor asked if I would preach today, I was tired and wanted to dodge his request, but I have learned to listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, both those that come directly to my heart and those that are brought through someone else. It is when we are most tired that we realize we have nothing to offer, except by the strength of God. It is when we can only depend and trust on God’s power that he can use us most. It is when we respond out of obedience that He replaces our weariness with His peace, His happiness, and His power.

            Obedience illuminates our hearts and faces as we look to God for His guidance.

            God, may we always seek you, may we always turn to you – whether it is out of joy and thanksgiving or simply because we want to be obedient and show our trust and faith that you will continue to provide for our needs each day. Help us to seek you wherever you choose to meet us, whether it is in the midst of trials and temptations or on a mountain top as we seek you. Help us to always choose to seek you first and help us offer our testimony whenever and wherever you call on us to share it.

October Break

This past week the kids and I have been on October Break, though I didn't get much of a break! My students often tell me I assign too much work. I feel the assignments are appropriate and worthwhile, but I've spent most of the week having to mark assignments and tests from each of my classes. Plus, one of my main helpers in the house was gone for almost three weeks so I had plenty to do.

Even so, it was good to have a change of pace and I did find some time to relax. I read a little, watched a few of my favorite programs  on TV, and exercised every other day. The kids and I didn't do anything special, but at least they each had some time with a friend or friends.

A chnage of pace is important in our lives, without it we too easily get in a rut. I like times of change or breaks from work so I can take care of a few things I struggle to finish during my regular schedule. This year the school work was more than usual so I didn't even get time to attend to other household things.

Breaks are nice, but I suppose they are more of a Western idea. Many people in this world don't take scheduled vacations. I remember talking to an Indian couple some years ago who came to my school to do some work. They claimed they hadn't had a holiday for over twenty years, but I couldn't help but notice the joy in their lives and realize that they did keep themselves open to change, and even sought it out. They came to our school to share their expertise in library management, shared themselves in fellowship, and listened to those they met from my school.

I pray that as we continue school on Monday that the work is more manageable and my attitude is refreshed so that my goals for my students are both challenging and meaningful. I pray that my attitude is one of joy and excitement for both my subject matter and the relationships I have with my students. I also pray that I am not so consumed by my work responsibilites that I forget to have fun with my children, husband, and in-laws that stay with us. Life is more than just work and I pray I can remember to have a better balance as work resumes.

THE FUTURE IS IN GOD’S HANDS Romans 15:1-13

This is the last in the series of Spritual Truths. The women's fellowship group will meet again today. I didn't attend last week, but it was a business meeting as we have our Harvest and Thanksgiving service next month. We have much to be thankful for. Last year we did not such a service, but this year tensions are reduced and we are able to worship more freely. In spite of this, most other churches that were in our neighborhood have moved out of the area. We praise and thank God for watching over us and keeping us strong.

The next series will focus on Christians from long ago or the more recent past who serve as a source of encouragement for us today. Please pray with me for guidence as significant lives are considered for our study.

THE FUTURE IS IN GOD'S HANDS                               Romans 15:1-13

Today we examine the 8^th and last Spiritual Truth; to me it is the most exciting and frightening. This Truth recognizes God’s continued presence in our life today, and tomorrow. We recognize that just as God spoke through his prophets and disciples, he continues to speak to us today. He speaks to us in the scripture of his return to earth to judge the saved and unsaved. We know him as the Creator and Judge, the one that we can trust with our future.

We also know him as the one who offers hope and strength when we feel weak. Without God in our lives, life can be quite pointless. While we don’t know what will happen in the future, God does. As human beings we often get caught up in life’s challenges. Do you ever have days where you feel nothing goes right? Do those days ever seem to go on and on? When I begin to feel hopeless like nothing is going right I remember His promises. One such promise in 1 Cor. 1:8-9 states “He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I find hope in such verses because life can be so overwhelming at times and sometimes we get so busy we lose perspective and forget how much God and others care for us. At times God can even remind us to slow down and rest. Keeping our priorities in order is important.

Trusting God to work in our lives is like baking a cake; first a recipe is chosen, then the ingredients are assembled, the baker mixes them up, he pours the batter in the form while scraping the pan, puts the pan in the hot oven, and after some time he pulls it out, lets it sit for a while and finally cuts it with a knife before offering it to the guests for consumption. Some cakes are decorated first to look fine, while others are just left plain. The whole process is a labor of love for the baker, but the cake goes through many transformations, not all of which are easy. There can be gentle folding or vigorous beating. The oven has to be hot for the cake to turn out well. Some recipes are made up of rich, sweet ingredients, while others are more basic, but the end is the same. The cake must be consumed for its purpose to be met. On rare occasions cakes might be burnt or cut into various forms before being decorated. If the ingredients are not chosen well, the consumers may discard the cake and it gets thrown out in the trash, but the best cakes are eaten till the last crumb is gone. The cake itself doesn’t get any say in the matter; it’s the baker and consumer that determine the fate of the cake.

What kind of cake might you be? Are you a sheet cake, spread out thin, an oatmeal cake that offers some sustenance to the consumer, or are you a fancy wedding cake that rises high and whose decoration is much admired? Did you dry out in the cooking, or were taken out too early and ended up a little mushy? Or did the baker leave you in just the right amount of heat and serve you up warm? Some of the most enjoyed cakes are the simplest, but devoured quickly.

If we are going to trust God, we have to allow him to handle us how he feels best, we have to trust him not to overcook us or run away before His work is done. We have to trust him with the presentation as he prepares for us to be consumed. What will people say in the end? Will they wash you down with their drink or sit back after eating and feel content? Will they praise the baker or walk away wishing they’d had another choice? Will you trust God to prepare you as He sees fit? Remember, if you fight him, you will not fulfill His dream for you and you might miss the party in the end.

Questions:           1. Do you leave God to work in your life? 2.  How can you trust God more?               3. How can you encourage those around you?           4. What other promises from God are a source of encouragement for you?

The Church is God’s Spiritual Body on Earth Acts 20:28-31

This was shared with the women last month, but it's taken me a while to post it.

A few weeks ago we discussed the Holy Spirit in the fifth Spiritual Truth. Today we examine how Jesus formed the church and how the Holy Spirit creates for Christians a community of believers called the Church. The Church is the community that all believers become part of once they claim God. As new Christians consider how their relationship with God will alter their lives, the Holy Spirit prompts them to join a body of believers who can guide their growth.

The key roles of the Church are to build members in Christ’s likeness through the teaching of God’s Word, fellowship with other Christians, creating opportunities for service and worship, instructing how to understand the role of prayer in a Christians’’ life, and teaching people how to pray. The Church is more than a club, it is a place of learning where believers are challenged to grow in their faith and take correction as needed.

Christians come in many forms, colors, and many unique opinions. We are not always united, but we are invited and challenged to seek a common ground so that we can be united before the world. Christians are wise to choose a body of believers to associate with; we call that body of believers a congregational church. There are many kinds of congregations, but each should recognize God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Bible as God’s Word as the main guides to a church and congregations within a larger church. Each church should have an expression of faith to confirm to her members what the church beliefs are based on.

As members of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria we believe in the importance of worship, fellowship, and growing in our individual faith. This is what brings us together as women and what challenges us to study the Word together so that we can encourage one another in our daily lives. By our presence here we are recognizing the importance of this 7^th Spiritual Truth.

A Slower Paced Morning

It's been a busy week of a combination of late nights or early mornings to do school work so this morning I decided that I would stay home from the Women's Fellowship meeting. There should be a district meeting, but the location is hard to get to so I gave myself permission to stay home.

I did a little school work, but then made a big batch of baking powder biscuits. Soon I have to go grocery shopping so I can come home and make some brownies for Nat's class to sell at his soccer game. (The 9th grade class is the only class that gets to sell refreshments at games. Each class in HS has different fundraiser opportunities.)

I have 't had much time and energy to do baking these past few weeks, so I don't mind doing a little baking today. I always make plenty so we can have some to enjoy too. Later in the week I have to make and decorate cupcakes for Annette's class who are making lunches to sell to elementary students and then treats for others to buy too.

I haven't even done much shopping these past weeks, so the list is a little long today. I usually try to make supper on Saturdays since my sister-in-law often is busy with school and practice for Sunday worship music, but lately I haven't even been able to do that. Today I hope to buy some cheese and make pizza. I made it several times before school started, but not at all this past month, so it should taste good. Of course that means I may not be able to watch all of Nat's game...and lately he's been making his goal in the 2nd half so I've been missing it!

I have to brag about my kids for a minute. Nat is only a freshman, but has had a great beginning to his high school career with a goal in almost every game. Annette's progress report showed her determination to do better this year is paying off in her improved grades and Dan is showing progress in his reading and memory verse efforts! I love seeing my kids do well!

As for Amson and I, we both stay busy with work commitments. I've been trying hard to keep a positive attitude with my two most challenging group of students. I've realized the class atmosphere deteriorates even faster when I get all stressed out and upset.

This year I've been trying to spend more time on lesson planning and classroom management. Organization is not my strong point, but at least I feel things are going better overall so I'm encouraged to keep up the effort!

Well, it's time to get moving. One of my students needs to get into the classroom this morning so I agreed to stop before going shopping. That means I need to hit the showers...once the bathroom is empty! I'm thankful I can even go shopping today. We had some concerns yesterday with possible tensions related to this YouTube video that the Muslims have been protesting, but thankfully there haven't been any outbreaks of violence here in Jos so we can go about our plans for shopping, soccer games, etc.

I guess my slow paced morning has finished, but it was nice while it lasted!

Faith in Christ

It has been a few weeks since I last posted. School work and meetings, family needs, and Internet issues has made it hard to find the time. Even so, life is going well. We've had a month of school already and progress reports just went out. The kids and I have settled into our routines and are trying to keep up with all our challenges.

Nigeria too has stayed calm. We thank God for that! Our church attendance is even back to where it was two years ago.

This is the 6th Biblical Truths. We had seven of us at Bible Study yesterday as we shared the study below. We shared how it is a challenge to understand the difference of doing good works and being kind to others as a way of showing our thankfulness to God for his love to us. We also discussed how it can be a challenge to hear God in the midst of our busy lives.

We have just two more Biblical Truths to study and then we will begin to study the lives of Christians in the past.

   Faith in Christ                                                           Romans 3:21-24, Romans 8:5-8

Of all the Biblical Truths, this is one that Lutherans should understand most. Martin Luther, like so many others, tried to earn his way into God’s favor. Over time, he realized that his own sinful nature always got in the way of his efforts.

This is the same for so many of us. We try to do what is right, we try to do good and be good, to think kind thoughts, to be there for our family, friends, and church members, but somehow something keeps us from putting God’s will ahead of our own. It’s hard when we try to do what is right and then someone near us does something or says something that just isn’t right or fair and we get annoyed or even angry. Sometimes it’s hard not to lash out with words meant to hurt. But then we have to pick up the pieces and no matter how hard we try or how much it makes sense in the world’s view, defending ourselves with the intent to put others down is just not right in God’s eyes.

Like Luther, we have to understand that if we try to work out our faith with our minds and our wills, it won’t work. We will always fall short. The only answer is to surrender to Christ and put our faith and trust in Him. That’s not to say God’s way will always make sense; often it doesn’t from our human perspective. But trusting with our heart, mind, and soul, even when it seems crazy or impossible, is what Christ wants. We have to come to the point of letting go and letting God take charge of our lives.

How do we do this? We study the word, we study the lives of Christians before us or around us, and we live one day at a time trusting God’s will above our own. We put our dreams to His test and study His ways so that we can understand His direction better. We come to Him in prayer, communicating our desires to Him and weighing them against Jesus’ words in the scripture and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Those two things, God’s Word and Prayer, are what can make all the difference.

By ourselves, we just can’t do it, but by trusting God’s love at all times, trusting His forgiveness when we stumble or fall, and being open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we read His Word and come to Him in Prayer means that God’s salvation is a sure thing. Through faith in God and His promises we can stand firm no matter what storms come our way.

The Holy Spirit is God and Empowerer

Philippians 4:8      Matthew 28:19-20             

 Knowing God has many facets. We know him as the Creator, we know of him as our Father, and we know He both sent his Son and Lives in the Son. In the same manner He comes to us in the form of the Holy Spirit. God as the Holy Spirit is the 5^th Spiritual Truth.

I’ve read that some say the Holy Spirit comes to us at the moment of salvation, but I don’t think the Holy Spirit is bound by our lack of awareness or full acceptance of God. I believe the Holy Spirit draws us to God even before we realize how much we need God. The Holy Spirit is like a prompter in a great play called Life. The Holy Spirit prompts us and draws us closer to God by showing us our emptiness. Often, before we even understand our need for God, the Holy Spirit reveals to us a hole that wealth, career success, popularity or even human love cannot fill.

Once we recognize our desire to claim God as our life’s priority, the Holy Spirit takes on a new role in our lives. As God’s child we are challenged to put Him first and measure everything in our lives against what is right and pure. When we are tempted to put something, someone, or some way before God, the Holy Spirit convicts of our sin and provides us with the tools and courage to take correction.

 The primary tool we have is God’s Word but He also works in the lives of others as His clouds of witnesses to encourage those seeking, but falling short. The more we claim the Truth of the Holy Spirit, the more we truly in God’s image. In God’s shadow the Holy Spirit prompts and guides us so that our faith can grow and mature until the day God returns. Seek the Holy Spirit as you claim this fifth Spiritual Truth to empower you to live for God.

Jesus is God and Savior

While growing up I often heard people say that if all of the Bible was lost except for John 3:16, there would still be enough to grasp God’s great love for us. From a human perspective it makes no sense for God to create a great world, have sin enter into it and then to send his only son back to that same world through an unbelievable birth, only for Jesus to die for everyone else in this world who in no way deserve God’s love.

.On top of that, Jesus was perfect!

I don’t know about you, but I get angry when I think I am being falsely accused of something and would be even madder if I was then wrongly punished too. Even worse, is when I learn someone has wrongly accused one of my children of something! Yet, that is exactly what happened with Jesus and God.

God allowed his son to suffer for us all and Jesus accepted the judgment without trying to run from it. Sure, we read in the gospel texts that Jesus struggled with the burden but he didn’t fight it! To our human ears, this makes no sense and I can only begin to understand any of it by recognizing God’s and Jesus’ actions as a sign of great love. A Father’s Love .

Not everyone has experienced a Father’s Love, but God’s love is that of a perfect Father, one is always there when we fall, make a mistake, seek forgiveness for being mean, selfish, or narrow-minded. He is always waiting to receive us back when we think we can run from him for a little while. When we are cold or lonely, he is always there to comfort us and provide encouragement.

This forth Biblical Truth states that to seek God and claim his love, we must also accept the story of Jesus and every detail of his life as Truth. To know God, we must know Jesus.

Biblical Truths: Created in God's Image

It's Friday night as I write, fellowship is tomorrow. I'm enjoying the challenge of examining these Biblical Truths, but I have a hard time keeping it simple. I hope my examples help the women to understand the point.

As God’s creations we are created to glorify God. Many believe that we are God’s most important creation, that’s why he gave us the command to care for His world. Before we can fully enjoy and embrace our relationship with God we must confess our sin and understand that we are born with a sinful nature.

In today’s world this emphasis on sin is not an easy one to accept. Many people in the West believe “if it feels good, it must be right” or that everyone’s views should be accepted, though less and less time is given to the Christian view since it places God before anyone or anything.

I think one of the best things about living in an African culture is that African society has a better understanding of the importance of God and the need to keep God as a priority. Granted, equal time is often given to the Islamic tradition and the materialistic emphasis of developed nations is threatening Africa too, but at least respect is still usually given to God and His role in our life.

In the Lutheran faith, the Apostle’s Creed acknowledges our need for the “forgiveness of sin”. As Lutherans we understand that we are not perfect and that sin separates us from God’s love. Some people don’t like to admit sin dominates our human life, but it’s an easy concept for me to accept. If you consider a new baby and watch it during its early hours, days, and months you will notice how quickly even a newborn begins grabbing for whatever is in its reach and crying when it doesn’t get what it wants. From the beginning, we want to be #1 and dominate everyone’s attention. But its only through admitting our wrongdoing that we can find forgiveness.

Like a child, adults too always want more; more food, more power, more toys, etc. It isn’t until we realize that only God’s love will ever fully satisfy us that we can be content with the blessings God brings into our lives. We should also understand that God placed us here on earth with others and He calls us to live in community. Together we worship God and encourage one another in our walk with Him.  By placing Him before all and seeking His will, we slowly reflect His image in our lives and all we do. This third Biblical Truth challenges us to seek Him above all, in spite of our human nature to put ourselves first.

Biblical Authority: The Bible as God's Word

Yesterday was our Women Fellowship Bible Study. We had eleven for the first time. Two of our older members came for the first time and one woman brought her daughter. It was good to share our observations about the Bible and the role it plays in our lives.

I continue to be wonderfully challenged as I write a devotions each week. This is especially true as I report back to school at the end of next week. I pray I can keep the momentum with the writing; classes start on August 8th. Even though the break was quite uneventful, it was  restful time. My goals for the break were reached and I've come to enjoy my almost daily walk/jog, or Nigels, as we call the path at school.

Now as I head back for a new school year I pray that I can begin the year excited for the new challenges and my new students. It will be a heavy year as I may have five classes and five preps, but I'm excited to teach African History again and look forward to the others as well.

We pray for continued peace in Jos journey mercies as staff and students return.

The Bible as God's Word

Matthew 24:35     John 17:17       Ephesians 6:17   Colossians 3:16

Have you ever thought about how the Bible came to be? How it has the Old and New Testaments and that it has so many authors? Have you ever read the Old Testament and noticed that it sometimes talks about Jesus’ coming and how the prophetic words came true?

I admit, I take the Bible too much for granted, but when I pause to wonder how men of ancient days recorded the Israelites’ history, and added their prophecies, praises, and brought their concerns to God, I am in awe of how it all came to be. The details added in the New Testament are also amazing. As one of my favorite authors wrote, the story of Jesus and the details recorded by the disciples are just too amazing, unbelievable and even funny at times. Today if someone tried to write such an account, they would have a terrible time finding someone to publish the story.

Nonetheless, as we understand how the Bible was divinely inspired by God and as he inspired a variety of authors over many years, it truly is amazing! We should never doubt the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives if we believe the Bible to be God’s word. As Christians, we are called to believe in the Word of God. It may not be necessary to agree on exactly who wrote every book or exactly when they were each written, but the essence of the books should not be doubted, this is the second most important Biblical Truth.

For us today, the Bible offers guidance in matters of life and faith. With it, and with our acceptance of it, God can work in our lives to restore us into His image. As we open His Word, we should pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding so that we might be drawn closer to him in both our hearts and minds and all that we do.

Another Day

It's a Saturday as I write this. Kauna, my sister-in-law that lives with us, and I just returned from our Women Fellowship Bible Study. We were four when we started today, then one came mid-way, and another came at the very end. Whether they come, or they have other engagements I try to get a study paper to them. Today we read "Seeking God".

I was reminded that not all children are blessed with parents who are Christians or who are concerned for them to develop a relationship with God. One woman mentioned how she had to find God as an adult because her father had no concern for religion and her mother only went to church on Sunday. As one who was brought up in the church I realize that fewer and fewer children are brought up to have concern for God. Perhaps some parents are even criticized for raising children to believe there is only one God.

I saw on Facebook and the news that the Muslims have begun the Ramadan season. Last night I was prompted to send a greeting to a family from school that I have had much contact with over the past years. Even though we may not believe in the same God, I still sent them a message hoping for a peaceful Ramadan season and I pray that they might enter into a time of personal growth.

Over the years, one element of my faith that has become more important is the awareness that God can work in more ways than I can imagine. He can work in the lives of the women I fellowship with, with friends I see during the week, in the lives of my students who enter my classroom, and in the lives of my family as we interact at home or through the internet. If we are open to God working in us and through us in any way, then we become God's tool.

Soon my summer holiday will end and I will head back to school for another academic year, less than two weeks before I report and less than three before classes resume! As I prepare for the new year I pray that students will not only be ready to learn, but that they also feel free to express themselves in my classroom and that they might see God in my life. That is my prayer every day; may you too be open to God both revealing himself to you and that others might see him in you. Have a great day!

Seeking God

Last week we began a study of the Biblical Truths and first looked at the need to recognize God as the one true God who is the perfect, all-knowing Creator. Today I would like to continue to look at who God is and why we seek him.

Many of us began our searching for God as young children. We attended Sunday School class, perhaps some (especially those in Africa) studied him in primary school. I can imagine us as children being dropped off by our parents and running to the classroom, bursting inside and exclaiming to the teacher or our friends, “I’m here!” or at the very least, we arrived at school with an eagerness to learn and make our parents proud.

Now as adults, we often find our main tools for understanding God are still those we gained as children. This is in spite of the fact that many of us gained critical, analytical tools to study other disciplines as a young adult, but rarely do we apply our academic skills to our study of God. Granted, our study of God needs to be far more than an academic approach, but we must use that approach if we hope to understand God at a higher level. Too many of us fail to realize that our adult-level of faith leaves us un-inspired simply because we have neglected to find ways for our faith to grow at the same rate as the rest of our body and mind. We have become adults with our adult needs and desires, but our faith in and our understanding of God is still the same that we had as a child.

Though there is one thing that do still need from our childhood; we still need to understand that that energy that often brought us to burst into a room has now evolved into a restlessness that still brings us to seek for something to fill our hunger for More. Often that hunger for More is fed by our desire for success, a need to satisfy our appetites for sex, power, material pleasures gets fed worldly gains, and we fail to grasp that the what we as humans seek is not born of an earthly thirst, but was planted in us by God and can only filled by God. This, I believe, is why so many adults are unhappy and end up asking, “Is this all there is?”

The world tries feed this hunger by claiming our desire to feed our self is normal and can best filled by what our own human self can come up with; self-awareness, self-help books, self-appreciation, and more. We are applauded for our efforts to gain reason and led to believe that Man can do anything we put our minds to, often forgetting or denying the Creator and that He designed our searching minds.

As I teach about the Renaissance, Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment periods I remind students that these periods were Man-oriented, and that it should be no surprise that just as the Ancient and Classical periods included the formation of all the major religions or belief systems, the modern age had the Reformation and Counter Reformation where we began to apply our new skills of reason to our understanding of God.

Today though, the Age of Science tells us that our desire to seek God is unreasonable. Few people realize that Mans first approaches to understand God and seek Truth were made by the same theologians and philosophers that developed the first principles of math and science. Our need to seek for answers cannot be met by man-made principles, but by the Designer that created us. Even today, if you go to a library you will discover that theology, or the “study of God’, is right next to the studies that today try to deny God’s presence. I think early man’s approach to understand God was far more accurate than many thinkers today. Granted, they too often failed to recognize who God is, which is why going back to our child-like need seek God and our fascination with God’s creation and love to ponder Jesus’ birth satisfies our hunger for More far better than any academic study.

May our eagerness to learn and our desire to seek God be merged into one effort and may we begin our search with the Bible where so many answers are found.

One Day at a Time: Considering Biblical Truths

Today we were only four at fellowship; one was home with a sick child, others had traveled, and still others were kept home by pouring rain. Nonetheless, God met those present with challenges, hope, and encouragement.

The week was a challenging ones for Nigerians in Jos as over 100 were killed during two incidents when a funeral for multiple villagers killed the day before was ambushed. Two politicians were among those killed at the funeral so the shocking event is drawing even more concern from the government. We pray that the government will be more serious about solving the problems in the country.

Some mornings I wake up consider the day before me and ask, “Is this all there is?” or “How can I find strength to get through the day?” Perhaps you sometimes ask the same kinds of questions. For some, one of these questions might come because they are coping with the loss of a loved one, others might be struggling with financial issues; still others might be overwhelmed by the stresses in their life, or dealing with the consequences of bad decisions.

Whatever the cause, there are some Biblical truths we can remember. There are many to consider so I’d like to use them for a series of devotions. But first, what are Biblical Truths? Biblical truths are points that are found in the Bible and are critical to our faith if we are to live a Godly life. They are called “truths” because the points are stated throughout the Bible and cannot be denied by professing Christians.

The most important truth that we begin with is that there is only one God and He is the Perfect Creator of All. If we can remember that each day then that truth can support all we believe that God is and what he has planned for us. In America we have a saying, “God doesn’t make junk”, or to put it in Nigerian English, “God doesn’t make rubbish”.

Sometimes when we go through frustrations or struggles in life we often begin to think we have done something wrong and if we were better in some way, then things would be different. If you ever have thoughts like that, then you can remember that when God created us he did a great job of it. Remember the phrase in Genesis, “and it was good”. That means we too are “good”. We may not be perfect like God, but God graciously forgives us when we do make mistakes.

Likewise, we can say that since all men are created in God’s image, there is an innate, or inner, good in everyone. That means that if we begin to complain or gossip about others we are also speaking ill about God. Next time you find yourself complaining or gossiping about someone, turn your complaints or mean words into prayers for change. Just remember, God’s ways are perfect and if we pray for change he may show you that the change should come from you.

Another aspect of this Biblical Truth is that all men, or people, are created to worship God. Remember in Matthew 5:23 it says if we bring our gifts to the altar and have a problem with someone, we should first go and reconcile with our brother before we present our gifts to God. God deserves our praise, worship, and our gifts that are signs of our love for Him, but if our relationship with his other children are stained in some way, then so is our gift.

One way we can try to remember this first Biblical Truth is by proclaiming that God is the perfect creator of all and that as part of his creation, we too should work hard to be perfect. Since we are far from perfect this may begin to cause even more frustration or stress. If that happens, just remember that God is always nearby to help us out. As we read in Psalm 23, God is there beside us, leading us, restoring us, guiding us, and comforting us. Reflect on this next time life brings its challenges. In time, the joy that can only come from God will return.

Keeping the Door Open

 This morning I used this reading as a devotional in our congregation's women fellowship group. We were nine in number, more than we have had for some time.

Most of the women shared, some more than once. It is a joy to be part of the group and to both minister to them, and be ministered by them.

We are one of the few women's groups in our church that use English as their primary language and most of our women have post secondary education so I enjoy the fellowship much as we relate well to each other.
      
Daniel 3:1-23

In this passage we find that God spoke to Daniel when he didn’t speak to the many others in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. He had called many “magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers”, but none could know what the king had dreamt about. As a result the king became furious and ordered the execution of all wise men in Babylon, including Daniel and his friends.

But then Daniel offered hope. Once he understood the situation he used “wisdom and tact” and asked for a little time. Daniel knew the source of the other wise men’s wisdom and knew his wisdom came from God. The other wise men had a closed door to God’ wisdom and power, while Daniel’s door was always open.

What about us? Do we keep our door open to God working in our lives? There have been times in my life when God seemed so close and other times when I could only trust that he was still listening. Some preach in ways that make us feel like we’re missing out on something if we don’t feel like we’re on top of the mountain with God’s power rushing around us as if we were in a storm; I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live in the midst of a storm.

We need to remember that keeping the door open to God by reading our Bibles, attending church, meeting him in prayer, and turning from evil is the day to day experience of staying close to God. Daniel had the habit of praying often and trusted God was present in his life so when he went to God with the king’s concern, God was there for him. That’s the same for us; God is there for his faithful followers. Call on him in faithful sincerity and trust he will work in your life.

1 Peter 3:10-12

In the Midst of Summer Break

The break continues on. I continue to walk/jog every weekday morning. It is a good way to start the day. The boys continue soccer camp and Annette tries to find things to do. I'm enjoying more baking and watching a little TV, but mostly reading. I've read several books for fun, some for school, and have even started some prep work for classes next year and did some organizing in my classroom.

I learned a new word the other day, "Stay-cation". I guess that describes our holiday this summer. While I"m enjoying the pace, it would be nice to go some place! Even so, it's good to be relaxed and take more time to do things with the kids and have time to exercise. There have also been various activities this summer in the mission community and it's been good to connect with others. We had about 90 last night for a 4th of July dinner and games. I guess that's always part of my desire for vacation time, time to connect with others, so I'm glad that is still happening.

I need to write a new devotional blog for the women's group at church. We have started to use some that I have posted here and the other women seem to find them encouraging and I am encouraged to write more. Time to do some thinking and reading for inspiration.

It's All About Attitude!

As I watched Nigerian morning news that focused prayers for peace and read updates about Coach Tolar's 5K benefit run last Saturday, I am reminded how much attitude plays into our love for life and the impact we can make.

When I began teaching at Hillcrest I think it's safe to say that Jay was one of the most encouraging colleagues I met. The whole staff had a great attitude, but Jay's energy and concern for all always was a great source of encouragement. It was great to see that some of his former students and friends from Nigeria were able to join the run and others took part in a sister event at Hillcrest itself on the same day. Coach suffers from Lou Gerig's disease, but continues to encourage those around him and past students and colleagues.

I'm thankful that, even though we are spending our summer in Jos where our freedom of movement is limited due to continued tensions around Jos and the rest of the country, my kids are trying to keep positive. This summer it's been hardest for Daniel, but I've been thankful for the other kids' increased maturity to try to find things to do.

Keeping a positive attitude can make even challenging days bearable!

Summer Goes On

According to my US friends, summer has just arrived. I guess summer is one of those things that relates more to when your summer holiday starts, then the actual dates that designate summer itself.

Summer is supposed to be a time to relax, have a change of pace, and take time to enjoy some things that you don't usually have time to do. By that definition my summer is going well. A few weeks ago I listed a few things I hope to do during my summer break and I'm happy to report that my list is being enjoyed.

I've had a few chances to watch Food Channel. Between irregularities of electricity and grabbing a few minutes when the kids will give me some "Mom moments" with the TV I've even had chance to try some inspired dishes. I've made a new pizza with olive oil, rosemary, and some fruit and vegetable toppings. The kids don't enjoy it much, but I have. Today I used the last of the cheese to make a regular pizza, my new pizza, and some pizza bread to dip in sauce. Even before that I made a big batch of Grandpa Paul's chocolate chip cookies (that means no chips). Baking is one way I enjoy expressing my creativity.

I've also had some time to read a few novels and some African History. Plus, I'm almost done with a kids book about Capt. James Cook. Whether it's reading novels or history, I enjoy reading when I have time to savor the new thoughts, ideas, and information.

Another thing I've taken time to do is going for walks each day during the week. I'm up to over 2 miles now. I'm even trying to jog a big, but that distance is about all my feet can take without protesting. I try to walk each morning when I take the boys to soccer camp and have often been able to connect with a colleague/friend who is around. It's good to talk and walk with a friend!

The last thing I've taken more time to do these past days is to tickle my little guy. Over the years I've enjoyed tickle time with all my kids, but now it's mostly Dan. During the holidays he comes for tickles once or twice a day. All my kids are very ticklish and hearing them erupt with laughter is great fun!

Now they've taken light so I'm not sure this will post, but since it's after 2:00 am, I'll try to get back on since I have a little charge with our back up battery. I hope you can enjoy summer time, even if your holiday is just spent at home.

I finished this blog after 2:00 am this morning, but then the electricity went off and back up battery had too little charge to check it for corrections etc.

What Does it Mean to Claim or Seek Salvation? What is the cost we must bear if we are to seek God’s will whole heartedly?

Often during my holiday from school my husband will put me on the preaching schedule for our church. Yesterday he officiated the service and I preached.

Luke 14:25-35                    Proverbs 1:7-19                     Revelations 3:14-22

Last week Brother Santos shared with us how even Christians regard both money and salvation as two important concerns in our life. Today I would like us to focus on salvation and the cost we must be willing to bear if we truly claim that salvation.

Salvation is one of those things that everyone hopes to enjoy. We like the idea of spending eternity in peace without any concerns, problems, or challenges, but many people think that problems end when someone becomes a Christian; unfortunately that is not the case.

Most of us struggle in some way and we don’t like to remember that the road to salvation can be full of pot holes and gallops. When we see people struggling or being punished we want to assume that they have done something to deserve their challenges or punishment. In the Proverbs’ passage it talks about ill-gotten gain. When we see corruption around us it’s easy to judge harshly those that are caught. We are even happy when we see corruption uncovered and relieved if those caught are judged guilty. But what do we do when deceit and greed are hidden in people’s hearts and not uncovered? What when we do when we discover seeds of deceit or greed in our own hearts. What do we do when we find we are making our own plans and realize that the plans we have set our hearts on are not in accordance with God’s will? As with all increased understanding, the more we learn about God the more we are convicted by the law and will of God.

There may be someone we have set our hearts on marrying, or something we feel we must purchase, or a job or promotion that we feel we deserve and then as days pass things just don’t work out the way we expected and we begin to wonder why. We cry out, “It’s not fair!” but at some point we need to ask ourselves if we have brought our desire to God and asked Him if our will is also His will.

As hard as it may be, we have to realize that seeking God’s will and living in accordance with His will is a daily challenge. For most of us, the cost of being a disciple is that effort to daily seek His will in all that we do. In decisions big or small, in our home, work, school, when we are relaxing. In discussions with friends and choosing what to watch on TV or listen to in our car, we must consider God’s will. For some, the cost of following God is more than making daily sacrifices; often those we admire most have persevered in spite of great challenges.

Bearing the cost of being God’s disciple is not just about going to Sunday service or attending mid-week prayers, it’s about how we live our lives day in and day out. In Revelations we read about how God despises the lukewarm. This text is actually referring to the people of Laodicea. They were a wealthy people who enjoyed the benefits from their banking industry, wool manufacturing, and their medical school. Their main problem is that the town lacked a good water system. Their only water source was from a nearby hot springs so their water was always lukewarm, and lukewarm water is always disgusting.

The passage is not just speaking about water; as Christians, we understand how God can despise the cold – those that even we identify as living outside God’s will. We also admire and seek to be on fire for God. We strive to live boldly and to be seen as someone who walks closely with God and benefits from the blessings he showers upon His children. But how many of us are living as lukewarm Christians? The people of Laodicea thought their wealth was enough to get them by; God thought otherwise. 

The TV evangelists and preachers speak a lot about God’s blessings and imply that there is something wrong if we don’t have them. But God doesn’t promise us material gain.

But if truth be told, if we focus on the actual cost of seeking God’s salvation, we have to admit that it can be exhausting to seek God’s will. It is a challenge to both seek and submit to God’s will. I’ve said several times that living for Christ is hard and choosing the world’s way seems so much easier, but if we really desire God’s way and His kingdom, then we must be willing to accept the challenge. If we want to do well on our exams, we study hard. If we want to do well in competitions, we must train hard.

The rich feel they have worked hard for their wealth so they want to protect it. They build up their high walls and place a buffer, or protective barrier, between themselves and the poor. The rich seem to imply that they have so much that their wealth will solve all of life’s problems. They don’t need anyone else in their world, their wealth is enough.  But even the middle class have their walls. They may not be as high, but they still round our property and try to keep it safe from those outside and sometimes we all try going our own ways.

As Christians we strive to live in community without walls. The early Christians shared all that they had, but today we don’t want to have our desire to live in community with others be abused by those who do not hold to God’s will or uphold his standards. God promises His kingdom to those who accept his correction and discipline but overcoming and not submitting to all the world offers is really hard. We get angry when we feel the world is abusing our spirit of generosity. As a child, I was taught to “count to ten” when I was angry so that I could cool off before I said something I might regret. Today I use that time to pray for God’s guidance.

Praying for God’s guidance is practical advice for Christians, but we must take prayer seriously and realize that God calls us to put him before all that the world has to offer and sometimes that might even mean putting God’s will before the will of our parents or others that are important to us. God calls us to carry the cross; that cross can come in many forms, but basically means anything that comes between us and God’s will. Anything that threatens to separate us from God; I know I often fight a battle of wills with God. Sometimes His will is not what I expected and submitting to His will demands that I set my will, my desires, aside.; to do otherwise would be to sin.

In Luke 17:1-9, God admits that we will all face sin and cautions us to be ready. He also challenges us to forgive those who sin against us, just as he daily forgives us. Like the apostles we must cry out, “Increase our faith!”

We are comforted by the words of Luke 18:27 where Jesus clearly states that what is impossible for men is possible with God. Later, in verse 30, he promises that the payback for those who strive to live for God’s kingdom will be “to receive many more times as much in this age and the age to come.” Did you hear that, “this age and in the age to come.”

God promises that the cost is worth the payback. It’s hard not knowing when that payback will come, we all hope and pray it will come in time for us to enjoy it. But while we wait, we can take comfort in knowing God promises us heaven on earth (Luke 17:21). He says that the kingdom of God is neither here nor there, but within you, within us.

I think God provides us glimmers of His eternal kingdom throughout our lives; if only we look closely every day to notice them. A child’s hug, a girlfriend or boyfriend’s special look, a teacher’s “Good job!” a boss’ “well done!”, a spouses’ love and thankfulness, a teenager’s words of appreciation, the knowledge that we gave our all on the sports field or in a presentation. The realization that God provides our daily needs and more should bring us contentment.

As humans we always want more, but we are encouraged to live a contended life and must decide if the cost is worth the call.

I believe God understands our struggles; didn’t he struggle on the cross at Calvary? I also believe that God will provide us with the courage and ability to meet the tasks he puts before us, but daily we find that trust tested and daily we must submit to the willingness to seek salvation first. One thing about courage; it develops in times of war or tragedy. By the grace of God we will one day meet him and hear him say, “Well done good and faithful servant. The kingdom of God is at hand. Enjoy!” Grace is something Lutherans know well; without it we will always fall short.

May we together strive to seek His will and may we daily find ways to encourage and strengthen each other so we might meet in his kingdom one day and find the door open.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says.”

Virtues Only Develop During Tough Times

Courage, Heroism, Sacrifice, Justice, Compassion, Mercy, Love…

Sometimes there is such evil in this world it is easy to wonder where God is. In Randy Alcorn’s book, Deception, Ollie and Clarence discuss this dilemma. Clarence explains that we would never see the virtues listed above if it weren’t for the challenges and tragedies we face.

It is the virtues we see in good people that inspire us and, according to another character, Jake, justice has to be restrained…God  has been withholding judgment-- it’s what kept us alive, giving us opportunity to repent and accept his grace.

If God always intervened as soon as something bad happened, none of us would develop courage, make sacrifices, seek justice, show compassion, etc.

It is like a parent who is ready to catch the child when he’s about to fall. When the child is a toddler, the parent’s hovering is welcome and necessary, but as the same child becomes a teenager or adult then the parent’s hovering is neither welcome nor necessary. In fact, it keeps the child from his own growth and development and becomes a hindrance to him from developing those very virtues listed above.

God’s justice is not usually the kind of justice we seek, but it is a kind of restrained justice that allows us to take correction or welcome a second chance in life. If justice was swift, we would never understand the extent of God’s love and grace. We would never have the chance to right what is wrong in our own lives or make a difference in someone else’s.

God allows suffering and evil to give us a chance to stand up or take a second chance to right a wrong in our life, but especially for us to learn how lean Him. Take a moment and think about when God’s restraint gave you a chance to get it right and the growth you experienced as a result.

Compromises Can Be a Good Thing

Over the years I've enjoyed making up, or adapting different recipes. It all started back when I was five or six years old.

I remember I was sitting in front of the TV shredding bread into a bowl. Don't ask me why, I was watching Julia Child and knew I couldn't just throw them away so I made up a recipe to use them. I looked in the fridge and pulled out cheese, onions. and my mom suggested I add some eggs and milk. It tasted pretty good. I remember writing the recipe down and naming it something like "Dorthea's favorite breakfast" and writing, "if you don't have eggs, you can use strawberries". I don't know if my mom still has that page in her cookbook, but I know it was there for long and I made it more than once while growing up.

A few years back, when it was I was living in a more remote part of Nigeria and rarely had cheese I sometimes made "Mbamba Pizza". I was living in Mbamba at the time so it was just pizza with no cheese. It was certainly better than no pizza at all! I'm sure the Italians have there own name for it, but I like mine.

Then there were "Breakfast Cookies". My kids never had time for breakfast when they were little. They just ran out to play as soon as they were awake. Living at the seminary in Mbamba, our neighbors were early risers and so were the kids. As they ran out the door I'd shout, "At least take a cookie or two!" They were oatmeal cookies with reduced sugar and peanut butter so I figured they were better than a bowl of oatmeal, especially since I made them on the big size.

The other day I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and the kids gobbled them up in less than a day. (Good thing I hid a few so Amson could get some when he returned home from some travels the next day.) A few days later when I asked Daniel what kind of cookies I should make , he wanted the same ones and agreed "no chips" would be fine. While making them, I remembered that Grandpa Paul's favorite cookies were chocolate chip, but he always looked for ones with few or no chips so now I have a new cookie, "Grandpa Paul's Cookies".

I find that I'd rather have a compromised recipe than not make what is on my mind. Learning to make a compromise can be a good thing. One of the few lessons I remember from high school was about compromise. Miss Lancaster taught us survival tips and her theme was to find a compromise if you don't have exactly what you need. I guess that's what I did with most of these recipes. I found a compromise. I'd say that lesson has served me well and helped me to survive over twenty years in Nigeria. Having some kind of pizza, and cookies certainly helped. Did I mention my ice cream substitute????

Comfort Zones

                                                                                                                                            Ezekiel 37:1-14

A prophetic voice “comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comforted.”

Sister Shirley

I was visiting with friends recently and one, who had been out the country for several years after having grown up here, noted how different Nigerian society is today. We all keep to our neighborhoods and stay out of areas less familiar to us or that are not dominated by our own people.

To put in my own words, we stay in our comfort zones. I am reminded of a challenge I heard several years ago from a Catholic sister I once worked with, she challenged people around her to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.” In this context I would stretch the last words to include those living a comfortable life, not having concern for others; they too need to be afflicted.

If we find we are contented in our comfortable lives I think we should thank God for his provisions and blessings, but personally, I fear that state of contentment because too often I find that if I stay there, I end up getting lazy and begin to dry up. I end up going through my days without any real connectedness, like I was a robot; living without feeling or deep concern for those around me.

God calls us to live in a state of community, but if we just stay within our comfort zones we isolate ourselves. When God created this world he did it with much diversity. He used an array of colors and textures. If we cut ourselves off from even one part of that diversity then we are not living the life God intended for us. May you daily remember to seek to understand God’s dreams so that you don’t miss out on the life God intends for you. And remember; if your life is too comfortable, maybe it’s time shake things up a little!

Do Not Let Anger Reign

“In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not let the devil get a foothold.”

Ephesians 4:26-27           

I made it out walking yesterday, took my daughter shopping for cloth to make some dresses, and made pizza for supper, but not without losing my temper several times.

Over the weekend I attended a Niger Wives Bible Study, all of the women who attend the monthly fellowship are married to Nigerians. Our topic for the day was anger. One of the questions that we discussed has been on my mind since the meeting; “Why do many Christians seem to be so angry.” I hope no one would describe me as an angry person, but I am guilty of getting angry often; yesterday was no exception.

I won’t bore you with the details, but by the end of the day it not only poured rain several times, I also poured out my anger several times. I will admit that at least some of the occasions warranted correction, even strong correction, I just wish I could offer correction without becoming angry because it is so easy to throw in words that are hurtful and not necessary.

Don’t get me wrong, this text does not condemn anger. Anger can be a constructive tool, even Jesus got angry in the temple, but anger should not be followed by sin.

I am thankful that apologies were made before going to bed, but I still pray that I could learn to get angry without sinning and hurting other people’s feelings with my words. I pray today will be a day where joy might reign and if corrections are necessary, I might make them with more gentleness.

Break Time!

School closed four days ago and graduation was three days ago. I didn't realize how much I needed a break. I had noticed that students were telling me to "chill out" more often so I guess they noticed how my stress level was rising.

Today I actually laughed myself! (I was looking the other way and ran into a door that is usually opened.) It did feel good to laugh, I guess I don't do it enough...especially toward the end of the school year!

I guess I'll have to try harder to rest more during the next Christmas break because the second semester just had too many stresses: curriculum revisions, bombings in town, increased security concerns in town and at school, classroom challenges, and more.

Somehow I survived it all, but only by leaning on God. Without him I could not have held on to the end. The way the challenges just continued, crept up on me, and drained my energy so that I had little creativity kept me from fully recognizing how much I was ready for a break.

Now it is here and I pray I can find a pace that is refreshing and can re-invigorate my teaching for next year.

We don't have any big plans these next two months. I hope to read several novels, do a few things in the house, watch Food Channel and some detective shows, read some history books for fun and brainstorm ideas for next year. I'm teaching African History again and I need to get a fresh approach in my other classes too. We'll get out of town for a few weeks when we spend time in our own home in Adamawa State.

I also hope to start walking again. I fell a few months ago and have only been walking once or twice since then. Now my toe and knee have healed, but it's hard to get in the habit again.

Well, it's time to take a break from the computer and do something else. I don't think I have time for a walk since it will be dark soon, but I do have a novel to finish reading. See you later!

Surviving

Our soul waits for the Lord, he is our help and our shield.            Psalm 33:20

Are you just surviving in this world? So often there are times, or days, in our life when we feel we just have to get by or get through the day, next few weeks, or period. As a history teacher I find it takes less effort to focus on the past, but to really understand it we must make connections to today.

I don’t think it is God’s desire for us to just get by, but he understands our limitations so over and over in the Bible he offers us hope and himself to hold on to when we feel like we might otherwise just lose it and fall apart.

I think one of the reasons Jesus’ teachings were in story form is because it is much less demanding to focus on someone else’s story than our own. By listening to a story our defenses go down a little and we think about the characters in the story, but then so often we find we connect to someone or some event in the story, and realize we can learn something from it.

Once we begin to make connections to a story, we have to make a choice. Do we just think to ourselves, “Oh, that was a nice little story? Funny how it sounds so familiar.” and then walk away. Or we can say, “Wait a second, what is this really saying!” and then try to take correction, or hope, and apply it to our own life.

As we go through life’s many challenges, I hope you too are comforted and refreshed by the fact that God’s source of strength is waiting for us to grasp and hold close like a shield. He offers himself as both our protector and our personal source for courage.

May you claim his shield and raise it high so that you, and those around you, might breathe a little easier knowing we are not alone; if we claim God’s promises fully, we may even find ourselves dancing for joy at the end of the day or battle!