Monthly Archive for October, 2010

The Bible, I’m told, is to be the model for spiritual life.  Looking into it, I find a community of loving brothers and sisters who bear one another’s burdens, make allowances for each other’s faults, forgive outright wrongs, and remain committed together through all the circumstances of life.  Oh happy day.

The reality among people of faith, however, is often something much less heavenly.  So many times I’ve felt abandoned, un-cared for and alone.  The hopes of true fellowship were a trick.  I’m left on the side of the road, beaten and robbed.

When I think I can bear it no longer, along comes someone who takes the command to love his neighbor seriously.  He bandages my wounds, brings me to a safe place, and covers my debt, promising to return and follow up as to my well being. 

People who function as the hands and feet of Jesus are the treats of the Kingdom of God.  There are a few such precious souls in my life.  Thank you, and Happy Halloween.

The Bible character Joshua was given the task of leading the Israeli army against a number of nations.  One night during the time he was preparing for battle, a man appeared to him inside the camp.  Joshua bolted up from sleep, drew his sword, faced the intruder, and demanded “Are you for us or our enemies?”  The man answered “No.”  As it turns out, this was no ordinary visitor, as he then identified himself as captain of the Lord’s host.

Armies, countries, groups of all kinds, and even individuals like to say that God is on their side. But does God take sides?

At times I’ve asked God, “Which of these options do You prefer?”  His answer has been “No”… or maybe “Yes.”  Because God doesn’t set up camp in any particular corner. He’s in control.

I wish God would cast his vote with my position once in awhile.  But seeing that He’s God, it’s no doubt better if I stop trying to win Him over to any agenda and learn to be on His side instead.

Anyone who’s been in New Testament believing circles very long has heard the scripture that begins “Don’t worry about anything.”  (Some translations say “Be anxious for nothing” or similar.)  It goes on to say that if we pray instead of worrying, God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds.  There is a much bigger truth in the very same context that is usually missed.  Actually, I’ve never even heard it mentioned.

When originally written, the Bible did not contain chapter and verse numbers like those in the versions we have today.  It is therefore not imperative that this passage should start as it’s always taught.  It could begin four words earlier, with a phrase attributed to the previous verse.  This would completely change the meaning of “Don’t worry about anything.”  Those word are “The Lord is near.”  The scripture then says “The Lord is near.  Don’t worry about anything.”

It’s presumptuous to tell me not to worry. Frankly, I’m incapable.  Life is too filled with troubles. Even the prayers that I’m encouraged to offer can seem to just go out into a big, thick cloud.

Assure me that the Lord is near, however, and the situation changes. Now I know He hears me when I cry out.  And if things get especially bad, He’s right there to do whatever it takes to see me through.

Overcoming worry is not something I find easy.  But knowing that the all-powerful King of the universe is close by makes it a whole lot more possible.