MORE THAN WORDS ON THE PAGE

“God, you awake?”

“Isaiah 40:28.”

“I looked it up.  You mean you never get tired or weary?  I bet you get tired and weary after our conversations.”

“Nope.  Not even after talking to you.”

“Want to hear a funny?  I’ll just go ahead and tell you:  I just got a present labeled, 'From Mom and Dad,' and I know darn well that Dad has no idea what's inside.  Isn’t that a hoot?”

“Does that remind …”

“You’re going to turn this into a lesson, aren’t you?”

“I might if I thought you were listening.“

“I am all ears.”

“Do you know all the gifts I have given you?”

“Well, …..  I know Bill is a gift from you.  The kids, grandkids, friends, ..”    

“Yes, these were all gifts, but what about the other gifts?”

“I am confused.  ….”

“You confused? What a shocker.”

“Okay.  Okay.  Are you done now?  I don’t remember gifts all wrapped and tied with a nice bow and a gift card saying, “From God.”  When did I get these gifts?” 

“They were not wrapped.  I thought that was a good idea until the Angels Union pointed out how much wrapping paper costs and the amount of trash it would add to landfills.  That means my gifts come unwrapped.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

“I like the joy gift.  I try to use these, but the self-control one causes my mouth a bit of a problem.  Just the other day ..”

“I know about the other day.  Your interaction with the telemarketer was way overboard.  They are annoying, but next time, try a bit of self-control.”

“My goodness, do you know everything I say and do?”

“We need to wrap this up  -- get it, wrap this up --   or your readers will get tired and miss the good part.

You have many gifts available and they will free you from sin.  They will lead you to be kind and gentle towards others.  They will increase your faithfulness and give you peace.  You have been given the gift of love and joy.

When did you receive these gifts?  The moment you walked down the aisle on a Sunday so many, many years ago, confessed your sins, and accepted Jesus into your heart.”

“I remember that Sunday.  I remember feeling so free because Jesus became mine.  Mine.  Not because my Grandma wanted me to believe.  Not because my Sunday School teacher wanted me to believe.  I just flat out believed!!!”

“And at that moment, every gift I have for you — the Fruits of the Spirit, mercy, grace, forgiveness, …”

“God, if you list them all, this blog will never end.  So, make it quick.”

“You are getting a bit bossy.  The cliff notes: I want each of my children to believe — to have faith — to feel the love I have for them —  to accept and use my gifts.”

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Are you still reading?  Bless your heart.  I decided to have a conversation with God, and He decided that 5:00 AM would be a good time to talk.  God has given you gifts to help you as you navigate every day!!  Don’t forget about his gifts.  Remember them and use them.  They are worthless; if you close your Bible and leave them as just printed words on a page.  Especially when a telemarketer calls.

A challenge:  Keep a notepad with your Bible and write down every gift you come across.  You might be surprised how long the list will get.  I’ll give you the first one:  God’s love.

 

 ZOOM

The theme of our 2025 VBS is ZOOM.  I ordered some supplies and passed on a few ideas.  Those teaching will have lessons.  There will be crafts, snacks, and games.  There will be excited kids and exhausted adults.

Why ZOOM?  We will help the kids ZOOM into God’s Word and God’s World to find the things they miss when they don’t look closely.  This idea is not just for kids and VBS.  Adult “kids” need to apply ZOOM when they read and study God’s Word and look at God’s World.

One time Bill and I drove by a flower farm.  It was beautiful. From one end of the field to the other, the flowers blended as one color stopped and the next began.  From the road, the flowers were pretty, but there were no details.  We could tell the flowers were gladiolus, but we couldn’t see the stems.  We couldn’t see how the colors blended slowly from a light shade at the bottom of the flower petal to a dark shade a the tips.  We had to ZOOM in to see the details.  To see their true beauty.

Sometimes we read the Bible that way.  We read as if we are in a rush to get down the road.  Or, if we are participating in a reading plan, we hurry to make up for the days we missed.  We are reading words, but not ZOOMing in on the meaning.  We miss the beauty of seeing how words tie the past to the present   We know the story so we quickly read it and miss the meaning.  We rush instead of ZOOMing deep into the verses and miss so much of what God wants to tell us.

This week, don’t fly through the Bible.  It is not a contest to see who can read the most verses.  Take time and ZOOM into the meaning.  You might find an answer to a problem or words of joy or a new direction for your life.  

THE TENT

The Merriam-Webster dictionary:  Tent:  a collapsible shelter of fabric (such as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building

I know very little about tents.  Many people set up tents for shelter when camping.  I prefer to camp in a room with a bed, water, and a bathroom.  Many people set up open-sided tents for shade when having a picnic.  I will gladly sit under that tent, and adding a fan would be a bonus.  Is there a deeper meaning to tents?  Hey, this is a Christian blog.  Did you think I was going to let you off with let’s go camping and give me shade?

TENT — THE SEARCH FOR A DEEPER MEANING (aka Google tent)

In biblical teachings, the word "tent" holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning.  Tents represent not only physical shelter but also serve as a metaphor for the transient nature of life and the divine presence of God among His people.  Throughout Scripture, tents are associated with itinerancy, community, and the promise of God’s guidance, reminding us that our earthly existence is temporary and that we are to seek a lasting home in the heavens.

Abraham’s tents were not simply places to rest; they were sanctuaries where he worshiped God and honored His promises.

Moreover, the tent as a metaphor for spiritual growth emphasizes the importance of creating sacred spaces in our lives.  Whether through prayer, meditation, or community worship, we can establish "tents" where we invite God into our daily routines.  This practice fosters a deeper connection with the Divine, allowing us to experience His love and guidance amid life's challenges.

The above is from https://bibledictionarytoday.com/words/tent/

Tents in Scripture carry deep symbolism, representing both physical shelter and spiritual truths.  They reflect God’s presence and guidance throughout life’s journeys.

Tents symbolize faithfulness and hope for an eternal home, echoing a yearning for permanent communion with God.  They remind you of the importance of hospitality and welcoming God’s presence in your life and community.

Each biblical narrative emphasizes the significance of tents as more than mere structures; they represent moments of divine encounter and the journey of faith, highlighting God’s guidance throughout life’s transitory paths.

This section is from https://biblicalchronology.com/biblical-meaning-of-tent/

TENTS — NOW IT’S MY TURN

Why am I thinking about tents?  Our church is going to set up a tent each Wednesday, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.  This will be a prayer tent open to all.  As a traveler heads home after work, it will be a place for a moment of prayer.  It will be an opportunity to request a prayer or ask a person to sit with you as you pray.  It will be a place to step into a sacred space — allowing the soul to listen for God’s guidance.

I like this idea.  Hopefully, when people enter the tent, they will find hospitality, welcoming, and a sense of community.

A simple tent, set up beside a busy highway.  I like this idea.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask that you bless this offering to our community, and I ask that you give our church patience and time to allow this new adventure to grow.

I pray this tent becomes a place where daily lives will be interrupted, while prayers are offered.  Make this a sacred space, where you can be worshiped with prayer, and lives can be changed.  Allow your Spirit to enter this tent to comfort and guide all who enter.

Amen and Amen

 MY VISION: THE FOUNDATION

I am standing.  Looking at a slab of cement.  I am trying to figure out what I am seeing.  A woman, dressed as if she is an angel in a play, appeared at my side.  “Amazing,” she said.  “Absolutely amazing and it will change the world.”

I looked at the empty slab of cement again.  What am I missing?  The woman called it amazing.  Why? And where had she come from? Maybe I needed to get a step closer.  It looks the same and I cannot get closer without stepping up onto the cement.  Turning toward the woman, “What am I missing?  It looks like every other slab of cement that is ready to build on.”

“For now, instead of stepping on the slab of cement, try walking around it.  Be observant,” she replied.

I tried to walk around it, but it seemed to grow.  Every time I got to a corner, the corner moved.  It is not possible for solid cement to move. 

“Why have you stopped?” she asked.  “Keep going.  You will figure it out.”

Eventually, I was out of breath and sat down.  From there, I looked closely at the corner … And then I knew …..

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV

I knew I was standing beside the foundation of the church.  Turning toward the woman, —- I looked behind me, to the left, and to the right.  The woman was not there.  The slab was just cement to some.  BUT, as I stepped upon the slab, I knew I was stepping onto the foundation upon which God’s church is being built.  As I stepped upon the cement, I saw them – the apostles and prophets and believers -- and realized why the foundation corner had kept moving.  The corner moved to make room for all believers who were part of his church.

THE CHURCH

Our pastor has been working through a series: What is the church?  My answer?  The church is God’s Hope.  His hope that the church will change the world, because Jesus is now the cornerstone of the church’s foundation.

Last Sunday we celebrated a risen Christ.  Jesus did not sit down, at the right hand of God, and say, “Well, my job is done.  They are on their own now.”

No.  No.  A risen Christ did not return to his Father and leave the believers helpless.  He left his disciples to go forth and teach.  He left his disciples and, those that began to follow them, to grow his church into a fellowship of believers.  Christ said he would always be with them.  He gave them and all believers the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I think Jesus sat down, at the right hand of God, and said, “You sent me the best disciples.  They listened and learned.  They will receive the Holy Spirit and will feed your children.  They will withstand the evil that will come to them and rely on your power to stand strong.”

I think God will tell his Son, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You are the cornerstone of my church.  The church is my hope for the world.”

We are the church!  We are God’s hope for the world!

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.  Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Mark 16:19-20 NIV

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.””

Luke 24:49 NIV

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.  Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”

John 20:17 NIV

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38-39 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.

Acts 2:42-43 NIV

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Matthew 25:23 NIV

 

 THEY MISSED IT

“What is going on?  Did I miss a holiday?”

“Another crucifixion.  It is that street preacher.   Want to go?”

“Na.  Seen one crucifixion, seen them all.  Besides, my little lady has a to-do list and I better work on that.  Baking bread, for the early market, sure makes me tired.  Free bread is a good benefit, but all I want to do is go home and sleep.”

“After the to-do list of course.”

“Of course.  Maybe she is in this crowd and won’t be home. She thought this Jesus was a great teacher.  She even used the word Messiah one day.  If she is in this crowd — hey, move over, we are trying to get home — anyway, if she is here, she can tell me all about it when she gets home.”

And the two men went home.  

They missed it.  Mary did not miss it.  The tears filled her eyes as she saw her son hanging on the cross.  Mary kept rubbing her hands, as if surprised there were no nails.  Her whole body had shook with each hit of the hammer.  And the sound…metal on metal …the sound echoed in her head like thunder.  She controlled her breathing.   She did not want to pass out.  She wanted Jesus to see her standing tall and not once did she hide her eyes.   Mary had no idea where her strength was coming from.  It was as if God himself was supporting her.  

And in an instant, Mary was no longer looking up at the cross.  She was in a stable.  Holding her son.  Son.  What an amazing word.  And Jesus was perfect.  How could a baby’s eyes seem to see into her soul.   As she drew the baby to her breast, 

Jesus was speaking to her.   — When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ 

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭30‬

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭42‬

And the Jewish Sabbath began. 

The two men who went home?  For them, it is a normal day.  They did their job.  They went home.  They missed it.

THE WINDOW

Lately, my mind has gone back to a stained glass window, in the Old Cathedral, in Vincennes, Indiana.  I have seen paintings and windows of Jesus in the garden.  Of Jesus receiving the cup from an angel.  This one was different.  This one touched my heart.  It gave me a different image of that night.

Blog originally posted June 14, 2019

THE WINDOW

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 

 

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

 

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

 

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.  So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

 

Matthew 26:36, 39, 42, 43-44

How many times have I read and heard these verses?  If I started at age 7, that is a minimum of 65 times and, most likely, at least three times a year for 195 times.  What do I envision when I read or hear these verses?  I see this:

Most people know this image.  The color of the robe may change, but Jesus is praying, a ray of light shines from heaven, and the disciples sleep.  My heart hurts when I think of Jesus saying, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

I can relate to the disciples.  My bedtime prayers often end with sleep instead of Amen.  I can have good intentions, but my body gets tired.  My breathing slows, my eyes close, and sleep comes without even realizing I fell asleep. 

Yes, this is the image I have had since childhood – until last week. 

The Old Cathedral, in Vincennes, Indiana, was built in 1826 and stands on the site of three previous churches.  The stained glass windows are breathtaking.  Then I saw it!  I wanted to turn away, but I could not.  Why had I never realized – the Cup!

             

JESUS TOOK THE CUP!  And the angel handing Jesus the cup is crying!  I cannot imagine handing Jesus the cup.  Knowing what the cup held – how could the angel not cry?

JESUS TOOK THE CUP!  He is looking up.  His hands are reaching for it.  Knowing what the cup held – Yet not as I will, but as you will.

JESUS TOOK THE CUP!  Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?  Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.  Rise!  Let us go!  Here comes my betrayer!”    Matthew 26:45-46

I now have a new image in my heart and in my soul.  I hear, “Mary, are you still sleeping and resting?  Rise!  Let us go!”

As I have often said, I have no idea where my path leads, but I know there is a cup with my name on it.  That cup contains God’s will for my life.  And I am not to sit on my hands.  I am not to turn away.  I am not to say, “Nope.  Ain’t gonna do it.”  I know what I am to do.

I am to reach out and take the cup.

I am to rise.

I am to go.

I am to obey.