Laced With Grace

“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”  Romans 1:25 (NLT)

Wherever we go, or whatever we watch, whether TV, movies, the Internet or standing in line at the checkout in the grocery store, we see what the “world” views as “super stars” – people to emulate.   It seems that every day there is some “star”, athlete, or even politician admitting or caught in uncompromising situation.  These are the individuals that the world is trying to get our children as well as ourselves to emulate- even worship.

Even in the Christian realm we must be careful not to put the Christian artist, authors, or even pastors in position of worship over God.  The created is flawed in this sinful world; but the Creator is not flawed, He is Truth.  People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own self-centered personal beliefs.  We need to be careful- even watchful that we do not trade the truth about God for a lie.  Today, more than ever, we need to know what the foundation is for our beliefs.   The influences of TV, music, movies and even the media often presents sinful life-styles and objectionable values  that we often find ourselves bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally contrary to the Bible.  We need to be careful of what influences us to form our opinions.  The Bible is the only standard of truth so we must evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings.

This world desires us to worship the things that God has created instead of the Creator Himself!  Even though some of the created may seem good, we must be careful of crossing the line from admiration to adoration.  The created can disappoint us, ever fail us, but the Creator will never fail- He is forever faithful and just.   He is our standard of Truth.   Our God, is always worthy of our praise and adoration.  Let us always give honor and glory to One who is worthy of all praise!  Amen!

“No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to strain to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

My husband and I sometimes watch the new TV drama, Unforgettable.  The main character in this series is one of few people in the world who has the daunting ability to never forget a single detail in her life.  Sometimes I think this ability would be great to have since these days I forget why I walked into a room in the first place.  Then again it would be exhausting at times to know that you have so much “stuff” locked up inside your head and as much as you may try you cannot get rid of all that “stuff” that just really does not matter at all.  Of course my husband commented that he would feel sorry for her spouse!

Seriously though, it made me think about the useless and unnecessary “stuff” I keep in my brain.  I can forget what I just ate for dinner, but when my husband and I have a disagreement I am quick to bring up something he said 20 years ago!

Satan, the deceiver, is quick to bring to our minds our past mistakes and failures.  He knows exactly what our weaknesses are and if we allow him, he will keep us focused on those weaknesses so we cannot move forward in our lives.  We begin to doubt if we will ever get out of a certain situation or circumstance so we will eventually give up.

In the above scripture, Paul reminds us that since our hope is in Christ, we are to let go – forget those things that are past (even if it was just yesterday)  and look ahead to what God will do in our lives.  We are not to dwell on our past mistakes and failures, but instead we are to grow in our knowledge of God by focusing on our relationship with Christ now – this moment.  We need to realize that we are forgiven then move forward to a life of faith and obedience to His Word.  Each day when we awake, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us keep our focus on Christ.  In so doing we can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because our hope is in Christ and not ourselves or others.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NKJV)

Does the fact that Christmas is just ten days away make you cringe or even panic?  Do you have a list of things that need to be done or purchased and realize that nothing has been crossed off your list yet?

For the past five or so years I have learned not to allow these things get me down.  Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way when chronic illness crept into my life like a thief in the night robbing me of the stamina I once had in order to accomplish the things I thought I needed to get done for the Christmas season.   I have learned that my home does need to be perfectly decorated; I do not have to bake everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie, candy, or cake; or have the perfect Christmas dinner; or the perfect tree with all the special trimmings; or spend a fortune for gifts.

I’ve learned that what people really want – those closest to us – is our special attention.  We can find ourselves so busy with all the holiday trappings that we neglect the very people we claim to be doing all the fuss for.

This past Sunday afternoon I had a Women’s Christmas Tea for the ladies of our church in our home.  I not only wanted to show my love and appreciation for each of them, but I also wanted them to know that we can have a wonderful time of fellowship without all the hype and fuss.  I knew my limits as well.  Other than the usual weekly cleaning that my husband always helps me with, I did not worry that everything had to look spotless or beautifully decorated.  I decided that since it was an afternoon Tea, that the food would be simple as well.  I furnished the hot tea and sparkling punch along with a tray of freshly baked scones and mini muffins purchased from my new friend who has a lovely Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room in Pottsville, PA.  I had the ladies bring cookies for a cookie exchange using one dozen from each lady for all to share at the tea.  To make it even simpler I purchased Christmas paper plates, cups and napkins.  I did not want the focus to be on the food or a beautifully decorated table.  I wanted the focus to be on the fellowship with one another as well as the real reason for this special season – Jesus.  We had prayer and devotion; a white elephant gift exchange; Christmas Pictionary; and a great time of fellowship and laughter too.  The two hours set for the Tea flew by way too fast!

This year there will not be any homemade cookies or candies from me.  Although, those who know me are probably thankful to hear this since for some reason my cookies never turn out like they should.  My husband and I will enjoy a few Christmas gatherings with the church, some extended family members and our small but precious family (mom and our daughter Heather and family).  Knowing my physical limitations we chose carefully which gatherings we attend as well as limit the amount of time spent at each gathering so as to not overly exhaust myself .  I’ve learned that I do not have to be supper woman and do everything myself.  My daughter and grandson love to help with the Christmas preparations.

In simplifying my life I have been able to give the gift that each family member desires from me – the gift of quality time with ME.   In so doing, we can all enjoy the real reason for this special season – God’s precious Gift to each of us – Jesus

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)