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!

We used to live in a fairly conservative community.  In fact, the area in which we made our home is often referred to as the “Bible-Belt” of California.   There seemed to be more Christians than not, and like-minded people were easy to find.   But then, as so often happens, we were uprooted and moved to a new area.  I must say, it is beautiful where we now live.  We are close to the ocean as well as a beautiful city and the rolling hills in between are covered with grape vineyards.  But another thing I’ve noticed while living here is that the people’s viewpoints are somewhat “varied”.  Now don’t get me wrong, there are many God-loving, Christ-centered people here, but there is also a shadow that threatens to discourage even the most faithful.

The world in which Jesus walked as a man was not unlike our own.  There was crime and violence, hunger and disease.  Political unrest, religious bigotry and immorality were rampant.  And also like today, people looked to false-gods to try to satisfy their longings and desires.  But, have you ever noticed that when things seem completely dark, the tiniest of light is able to be seen more clearly?

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5).

When Jesus came into this world He became our Guiding Light.  He brought healing and hope to the downtrodden.  He restored souls and broke the chains that kept people locked in darkness.  Jesus still does this today; I am living proof.  I did not always see things as clearly as I do now.  His Light opened my eyes and restored my soul!

The other day, I was tempted to be discouraged by the troubles in our society.  I was disheartened to see the dim eyes and frustrated lifestyles of my fellow sojourners in this life.  But then, our pastor said something so simple and yet so profound, my mood instantly changed.  He said, “Sometimes it is in the darkness Christ’s Light can shine the brightest.”  Wow.  So true!  Jesus tells us that we are to be the light of the world.  In the midst of strife and struggle, we can shine brightly for Him!  We needn’t succumb to the ways of the world or hide the hope we have in Christ behind closed doors.   Instead, we can reach out in love to those around us.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Let’s be living examples of Christ’s love and light.  Rather than sequestering ourselves away from those who don’t know Him, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus and bring hope to a troubled world.  Let us share the joy we have in Him by the way we live and express our faith.  Then Christ’s light will be visible for all to see!

Joyfully His,

The streets and sidewalks of this great city were quiet on the morning we took this walk, gasping for breath as we climbed one hill after another. It was a different scene on the day we arrived, a busy, bustling Saturday afternoon. The beautiful weather had drawn everyone outdoors, and it was hard to walk against the press of people all around us. The air was filled with the harmony of different languages blended together into one lovely melody. The different races and nationalities formed a colorful human rainbow.

We took a seat to watch them all walk by – so many of them – and I thought about the Father who knows each one by name. “How is it possible, Lord?” I thought. So many, and this is just one small corner of your great big world. How can You see us all; know every heart; hear every whispered prayer; love each one with such longing? It seems impossible, and yet that is just what He does. He sees each one of us as though we were His only child.

I was reminded of this when I read just what I needed to hear from Him the other morning. Always, He supplies what I need. I am only one, and yet He gives me His undivided attention every moment of every day. I have wrestled with this question of suffering and unanswered prayer and trust. It is, I find, a long journey in understanding. Just when you think you have made it to the end of the road, you find it is only a sharp curve that leads you further still.

Longing for help and reassurance, I read Elisabeth Elliot’s words:

“Instead of seeing His everlasting love, tenderly bending down to our humanness, longing over each one of us with a father’s speechless longing, we sometimes think of Him as indifferent, inaccessible or just plain unfair. The worst pains we experience are not those of the suffering itself but of our stubborn resistance to it, our resolute insistence on our independence. To be “crucified with Christ” means what Oswald Chambers calls “breaking the husk” of that independence. ‘Has that break come?’ he asks. ‘All the rest is pious fraud.’ And you and I know, in our heart of hearts, that that sword-thrust…is the straight truth. If we reject this cross, we will not find it is this world again. Here is the opportunity offered. Be patient. Wait on the Lord for whatever He appoints, wait quietly, wait trustingly. He holds every minute of every hour of every day of every week of every month of every year in His hands. Thank Him in advance for what the future holds, for He is already there. ‘Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup’ (Ps 16:5). Shall we not gladly say, ‘I’ll take it , Lord! YES! I’ll trust you for everything. Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

There it always is – trust. Not simply trust, however, but trust in One Who loves me with a love beyond measure. He loved me so much He sent His Son to die in my place. Is it not a love worthy of my trust? Yes, and so much more.

Blessings,