toolbox

I marvel at people who use tools. Especially power tools- which generally awkward me out to a point of being freaked out when it comes to the bigger ones! (Like big saws, and nail-guns!) Nonetheless- there is a part of me that wishes I was good at using them, because I reaaly enjoy and appreciate the wonderful things you can make, and accomplish, with them!

I guess the tools I use most often, are found in the kitchen. Baking and cooking on a regular basis- I have many opportunities to use my skills! I am an okay cook, but I really enjoy baking. But, with so many on different diets...I don't do that as often as I'd like. (Nor do I need to eat a lot of baked goods!)

I can zip around the kitchen pretty well. I know (usually) where my tools are, when to use them, how to use them; I try to keep them clean and handy for the next time I need them- because I know it won't be long for most of them before I need them again.

Once in a blue-moon, I get a new kitchen tool/gadget. I love it! I enjoy having a new tool to help me do my job better, easier, and maybe even with a little more flair! I splurged the other day and bought a darling new apron (for those who don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen, 'yes!'- an apron is a wonderful tool)! It has a wonderful colorful design, and one of my favorite Bible verses. (John 10:10)

This past week I discovered another toolbox, which has been incredibly wonderful. It is in 2 Peter 1:2-9. The tools are listed in verses 5-7. They way it is written, the list looks a bit like these tool are listed in oder of 'get this first, then that'...but that is only the styl of the writing. Actually, each tool stands on its own, and works with each of the others listed-- in fact, altogether, they can be a virtual power tool!

Before I get into the tools- let's begin by looking at the tool maker and box: "2. Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3. seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divinge nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust."

So- in verse 2: How is that we can have grace and peace multiplied?...In the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord! He is the Tool Maker!....And because of Who He is, and His divine power, how much has He given us pertaining to life and godliness? EVERTHING! How much is that?! EVERTHING! (In my mind I can here a friend say. 'uh-huh- yes!, you got that right!- EVERYTHING!- that's what I'm talking about!)

Breathe that in! For those who know the Tool Maker- Jesus Christ, He has given EVERYTHING to you that you need pertaining to living out your life in a godly (God pleasing) way! By His power, because of Who He is!...He HAS given it to us- it was available to us...it is available to us...it will be available to us...everything we need... WOW!

I've read these verses before, but never have I been so struck by the reality of these verses up until this past week! The LORD has used it to minister to my soul in an amazing way!

Okay- He has called us, He is our Saviour- by His grace and mercy, and us trusting in His finished work on the cross for us, by His own glory and excellence...And in His mysterious ways- He has invited us to be partakers of the divine nature, and escape the corruption of this world (lust). Can I get an 'amen' to that!

Now that we are saved by Him, through faith- faith is one of the tools He gives us...and it is the universal tool to connect us to the rest of the list of tools here: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness and to goodness,knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."(verse 5-7) So, our tools are: diligence, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverence, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

My mom used to say a married woman should have a 'wedding shower' every 15yrs to get new kitchen utensils, as the old ones get worn out! The great thing about the tools the Tool Maker gives- is that they improve with age! Making you more and more effective and productive! And who really would not want that? They can never be over used; not in the context of His love. Verses 8-9 say: "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Factor

For anyone whose had the priviledge of having a baby- you know all about the long days, short nights- little sleep, feeding, burping, spit-up, diaper change, feedings, burping, spit-up, diaper change...throw in some loud crying (mostly from the baby- but sometimes your own)...

Most every parent will tell you that parenting is difficult, exhausting, exasperating... but an amazingly wonderful thing! When that little one cuddles in, sleeps in your arms, looks at you with an intensity- studying your face-taking you all in...gives you that sweet smile.... All is worth it!

In our area, the 8th graders get assigned a mechanical 'baby' to which they are assigned to care. Some of these 'babies' are 'crack babies', who require a greater amount of care than the others. Each 'baby' is engineered to periodically need feeding, will cry, and wet. The student must quickly, and gentley, meet the needs of their 'baby'. The student's instructor is able to monitor the 'baby' while it's in the custody of the student. Data is collected on how quickly/efficiently the baby's needs are met. The instuctor can even tell if the student has abandoned or shaken the baby. The student never gets to hear 'their baby' coo, feel 'their baby' cuddle- or see 'their baby' smile at them while looking deeply into their eyes...

A disconnect.

Reminds me of a conversation I had the other day with a gentleman who has a website devoted to young men struggling with the issue of abortion. Yes, men who struggle with abortion. The conversation lent itself to discussing promiscuis sex; and the seemingly related, general disconnect in men when it comes to the reality of life in the womb.

The closest a man comes to this reality is when their wife is carrying within their womb- a child, created out of the union of his own seed. Still, there is a surrealness to it all; only getting more real with seeing their wife's belly begin to buldge, hearing the heartbeat at the doctor's office, first views on ultrasound, feeling the baby's movements when close...

This brings me to wonder~ do these mechanical 'babies' really promote not being sexually active. I doubt it. In 'that moment', I don't think many students are thinking about that mechanical baby. Now, let's say the student is sexually active, and there is a resulting pregnancy- flash back to the 'baby' they had in 8th grade-- lots of work, no reward...it wasn't really a baby...its all so surreal...there is a disconnect from now there being actual life in that womb.

This disconnected view can lead one to thinking it is 'my choice' as to whether to give birth or abort. Most often it is the male encouraging the female to abort; there are times though when a young man discovers their sexual partner aborted his child without even giving him a say... Sadly, many choose to abort--only to be faced with the reality, if not sooner, then later, with the knowledge that indeed: that baby was real...alive!

I admit, this is not necessarily the outcome of using mechanical 'babies' as teaching tools; and it's certainly not that I think the educators have such intentions... But I do believe that many of us parents and educators have much to really think about when it comes to educating our young people about being sexually active/and those choices' consequences. I think many times we concentrate too much on the symptoms and not at the core of the issues of sexual activity and crisis pregnancy...

Disconnect. That is at the core. It is this disconnect from the value of life, consequences and responsibility; these are the core issues which we need most to address with our own children, are daughters and our sons. The earlier, the better.

Practically speaking- we can early on give our sons and daughters the message that they are valuable; and as appropriate to age, be open and honest about the seeds of life which live in them...and about the virtue of chastity/purity. We must model and teach that to 'be a man' isn't about using a single organ of the male anatomy...And to model to our young ladies that beauty is more than skin deep- and to be considerate of the men around them and dress in such a way as to not encourage them to stumble sexually in their mind or body... Perhaps instead of students having mechanical 'babies'- your family could offer to babysit, or spend time with a family who has a real baby...

Where does it really begin, to turn this sexually active/irresponsible trend in our young people around? It begins with the adults- being willing to inconvenience themselves, perhaps be in awkward discussions with their children- being willing to be involved- not leave these important lessons up to strangers.

There are children dying out there. Many dying needlessly on altars of ignorance and convenience. There are wounded people out there with empty arms- and ones praying to adopt a baby. It is time to find ways to connect young men and women with the value of life.

Missed Opportunities

I was listening to a friend describe a person he knows, who is convinced that most ministry just happens as a consequence of just 'living our lives'. While I see a kernel of truth in that, I disagree to a larger degree.

An image comes to mind, of someone walking along through life, head down... will things get done, yes; but how much more ministry might there be around us- if we only lifted our head up, and started each day emploring the LORD to show us what He wants us to see that day, and ask Him to empower us to do whatever He calls us to. Being more intentional in our personal ministry.

It is awkward to think of all the possible missed opportunities around me on any given day, because I have chosen a myopic approach to life.

There is nothing inherently 'wrong' only taking care of what we see close to us- for that is needed; and there is a truism that 'charity begins at home'... But, how many more are out there to whom God would have us minister?

Not that everyone is called to full-time ministry either...I'm not saying that all should be be in 'full-time paid ministry'. But He does call each of us to be His witness- and to seek Him in all things...

My heart breaks for my family- and there I have my greatest responsiblity...but my heart breaks for those in my congregation, my community, my country... What might God have me do?

I was talking to a lady, and she shared how she'd recently been to a women's retreat. She had gone reluctantly to the retreat, and during it was questioning why she had even come. But, another lady from her church, in regular conversation, shared something which was incredibly valuable to the lady with whom I was talking...that comment had touched her greatly, in a wonderful way- and she was so thankful she had gone to the retreat after all!

I saw the lady who'd made the comment and without revealing the other person or subject- let her know that through a conversation at the retreat- she had blessed someone. She was very glad to know she had unwittingly been an encouragement! She was just being 'herself' and God used her to bless someone! Indeed this happens many times- and is a wonderful thing.

I have experienced the same kind of thing. This side of heaven, we will probably never know how often we have positively affected someone for the Kingdom. Very cool!

Still, I can't help think there have been many more opportunities I have missed because I wasn't on the 'alert and ready'- having been intentional in asking the LORD to open my eyes throughout the day.

Years ago, I worked in a Blood Bank- volunteers came to give life-saving blood. There were times I would have to turn someone away, because they did not meet the safety requirements- but I also had volunteer donors who'd donated multiple gallons over the years! I also worked in the apheresis department- where they had a specialized donor listing from which to try to match blood component needs of very ill patients struggling with different diseases... These blood donors were/are heroes!

There were also those who were greatly qualified to donate, but chose not to. I know they would have donated blood to a family member in need. But, for whatever reason, they would not donate to a blood bank. They would 'look after' the needs of their family- which is very good; but at the same time, missed so many opportunities to give/share a great life-gift.

In living out a Christian Witness- we are called to dimensions of service. We are called to reach out in Christian charity not only to those in our own family- but those around whom we've been placed...and beyond.

8(A)This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I (B)want you to speak confidently, so that those who have (C)believed God will be careful to (D)engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. Titus 3:8

18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in (A)good works, (B)to be generous and ready to share, ...1 Timothy 6:18

15but [a]sanctify (A)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (B)to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (C)hope that is in you, yet (D)with gentleness and (E)reverence; 1Peter 3:15

4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent (A)promises, so that by them you may become (B)partakers of the divine nature, having (C)escaped the (D)corruption that is in (E)the world by lust.

5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith (F)supply (G)moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, (H)knowledge,

6and in your knowledge, (I)self-control, and in your self-control, (J)perseverance, and in your perseverance, (K)godliness,

7and in your godliness, (L)brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor (M)unfruitful in the true (N)knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9For he who lacks these qualities is (O)blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his (P)purification from his former sins.

10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His (Q)calling and (R)choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never (S)stumble; 2 Peter 1:4-10

Careful, always, diligent...there is something that speaks to an intentionality here...words which can keep a grimey-film of apathy from building up over our spirtual eyes... To keep our 'windows' clear to see what the LORD would have us to see, and our hearts clear from that which would cloud His charity toward others and their needs.

The virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:4-10 do not come naturally, but they do come Supernaturally- through the Holy Spirit. It is up to us to put them into practice in our own life.

Today- who/what is the LORD showing you? He is calling you to participate in His mysterious and powerful work today- don't miss it!

Zealots

I get very awkwarded-out by zealots. Even ones with whom I have many shared beliefs and convictions. I am equally awkwarded-out by persons with shared beliefs and convictions who show great apathy. The word 'passion' has become awkward to use these days- as there is such a sexual connotation to its use... Last week I rediscovered: fervence. I had to look it up even- as it had become so dusty in my mind from lack of use, I was not even sure of its spelling or exact meaning.

Fervency- while is synonymous to passion and zeal to a great degree, does not hold quite the modern-day stains.

There can be fine lines drawn between fervency and zeal...but to me it is when one is willing, for a belief or cause, to step over the line of civility. Of course, much of civility is cultural- but there are certainly even commonalities of it that most will understand what I mean.

If in an attempt to make my point, if I hurt someone or something to any degree...I really am hurting my cause, myself...and doing damage then to the very thing about which I am zealous. Counterproductive at the least.

It is popular in our culture these days to be edgy- stir it up- point the finger- do a jab- get the laugh even, at the expense of others. Going beyond disagreeing, even strongly disagreeing; and getting 'personal'. Even school yard bullies are good at this; comes naturally. Nothing to be proud of, even if one can pull it off in a sophisticated way!

Yep- it's again the 'Clanging Gong Principle'- which the Apostle Paul brought us in 1 Corinthians 13. And yet, so many times, even Believers go straight on ahead- all for the 'cause'...they seemingly even put ear plugs in to keep from hearing those warning bells (or should I say warning 'gongs'). They may even reach for a megaphone, and even blinders- if needed...all for the 'cause'.

Wow- and it can happen so fast for any one of us; especially when we get caught up in the 'cause'... What we need to do is get caught up in "Christ", not the 'cause'. A lot of time we get it backwards- and then we are counterproductive or even damaging- not being a good witness/ambassador for Christ.

We are to love. To love PEOPLE. Whether we agree or not, no matter what the issue or sin (checked for logs-in-eye lately?). I am first called to love. To represent Christ to the other person in whatever situation I find myself.

Who am I awkwarding-out instead of loving. I need to be prepared to give an answer
( 1Peter 3:13-17) I need to filled with His Holy Spirit. I need to be prayerful. It is through knowing who I am in Christ, and His knowledge that I can be bold, fervent; without becoming a zealot.

1 Peter 3:13-17 "Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Chirst as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christan hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!"

the UNEXPECTED

Some people LOVE surprises...some do not. Either way, you will be surprised along life's road!

A genlteman at church was sharing about his drive in that morning...he'd come to a stop sign, at which he has stopped numerous times- and over the course of years could only account for actually stopping for traffic,only two cars, in all those years! He stopped for the sign, not the traffic. And, had developed what is common: a kind of 'rolling stop'; the one where perhaps the word 'stop' is generously applied to an action which 'slows-to-an-almost-kinda-a-stop-to-moving forward', with such fluidity that the actual stop is alomst nondiscernable.

Anyway- amazingly on this bright, cool, sunny morning, this gentleman approached the intersection as he had been accustomed to; but was completely startled to find that lo-and-behold, out-of-the-blue, here comes a car- just as he was deftly performing his habitual 'stop' maneuver! Thankfully, although he had arrived at this point in a state of apathy- the event awoke him from that state and rushed him into the action of coming to a complete, emphatic STOP! Just as the car passed by on the road onto which he was about to turn.

His lesson to share was 'expect the unexpected'!

It is certainly a truism, and one that we apply in life with the same approach as the gentleman had done as he approached the sign ...with apathy, or an 'I know'! Truth would sadly bear out many times in our individual, and collective lives, that we indeed may 'know it'- but we get pretty slack in practicing what we know.

First thing to come to mind is that we need to begin with understanding what the truth is (is it inherently true and reliable)- Taking knowledge then into understanding...then applying value,. If I know, understand- that I may be hit by a car if I don't stop at the sign (or at the least, get a ticket)...that might not really be enough concern (value) for me...but add to it: I don't want damage to my vehicle, my life, my family, my friends... These values become the catalysts which cause me to apply my values and beliefs into the action of following what I know to be true.

Even at that, complacency comes into play...because we 'know something'- it can get tucked away in the 'been there-know that' file in the back of our brain...until we are startled back to its relevancy...hopefully before its too late and damge is suffered.

Another dimension of this thought comes into play in Christendom, where there are some glass-paned ivory towers up which we climb, those 'been there-know that' files deeply set- giving us an energized step as we climb ever higher. From the top- we look out at all those poor souls who just don't have the files of knowledge that we have...our 'oh dear, pity thems' we say, hoping no one will notice the undertone of 'aren't I so much better'! Not many do notice- as they are too busy with their own binoculars... Until, the Good LORD comes with mirror in hand- and we are aghast to find a huge log in our eyes!- why how is it that we could even have brought those binoculars up to our face?... We allow Him to gently remove the log, and lead us back down from the tower- a way known as the stairs of humility. (Not to be confused- this is not the stairs of shame!)

Trust me, the more often you come down those those stairs with the Master- the less often you want to make that climb up. Scripture tell us to 'be humble' be alert' 'stand firm' "Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by menas of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.: (1Peter 5:6,7,8,9-10)

Of more concern than even mortal wound, is spiritual wounding- and many times it is our own doing. We are sometimes in the most danger when we think we are safest.

Expect the unexpected.