Matthew 28:2, 6-7, 12-13

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.“

”He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him.’  Now I have told you.”  When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ”

LIES

The guards did not want to admit they were so afraid they passed out.  They did not want to admit they did not know what happened to Jesus’ body.  So, they lied.  The chief priests and elders made the decision to continue that lie.  Satan smiled as first 30 pieces of silver and now a large sum of money caused men to sin.  Lies.  Oh, and how easy it is to make humans believe a lie.

Satan knows when a believer is vulnerable.  A believer overhears something that makes them wonder.  Satan has found the gap he is looking for.  He begins to whisper words like NO HOPE or HOW DO YOU KNOW or ARE YOU SURE.  Then he begins to lie.  How easy it is to replace the truth.  One small lie and then another until the lie seems to make sense.  Quickly the lie spreads.  Quickly the truth is forgotten.

Our son-in-law and I were having one of our conversations.  This time about Satan and how Satan can corrupt anything.  He makes simple things confusing.  I asked what is the biggest lie Satan uses today and Jon’s answer was where we came from, eternal life, and how we get there.

BUT, it was the answer he received from a 20 year old friend that shows how tricky Satan can be.  He answered, “Satan’s best trick was convincing the world and this generation that even he doesn’t exist.  Let alone God.  He’s devious that is for sure.”

Satan’s power comes from lies.  If Satan can get people to believe the first small lie, he will get them to believe the next and the next.

And the lie will make sense and the truth will be forgotten.

Matthew 28:15

“So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.  And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.”

SERIES RECAP

Change happens.  Are you willing to allow the actions of one man to impact your life?

Jesus offered the disciples the job of a lifetime.  Are you willing to accept his call to “follow me”?

A Son obeyed his Father and died to save you from your sins.  Do you accept this gift of forgiveness?

Sometimes we wear blinders and cannot see.  Have your eyes been opened?  Can you see Jesus?

Have the lies of Satan made you question the Truth of God? Do you believe?

Easter is early this year - March 31.  Are you ready?

IN AN INSTANT

We have a friend who told Bill, “Life can change in an instant.” His instant was finding out he has cancer. The word cancer changes life after life after life. Other words do the same thing: stroke, heart attack, and on and on and on.

But no one expects a ship to destroy a bridge. To change lives in an instant. A mother will not hear the word, “I love you mom.” A father will not be able to tell their child, “I am proud of you.” A spouse, a child, a sibling, a friend will now have an empty space in their hearts and in their lives. Laughter will not be heard. No glass of wine shared. No tender kiss. No story read at bedtime. It all changed in just an instant.

What would you do if you knew you only had an instant to live. If you knew that at some point in your day you would die? Would that information change how you lived your last day? Would you look deeper into the eyes of those you love? Would you cherish one more breakfast before your children went off to school? Would you make a call? Would you?

And isn’t that the question? Would you? Would you change the way you had planned to spend your day? Would you realize your priorities were wrong? Would you beg for one more day? One more minute? One more instant?

Life can change in an instant. Would you be secure in your faith and trust and know you would have eternal life on the other side of the instant?

 If your answer is no, look around. How can you deny there is a God? Look at a flower. Look at the sky. Look at the ocean or a mountain. Look at the human body. This did not happen in a big bang and you did not come from pond scum. God created you. He created you with a desire to know and trust Him. He created you with a desire to find the love that fills the empty part of your soul. If you have spent your life denying God, you can change! You can confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Savior. And when you do this, the other side of an instant is glorious and Jesus is waiting to welcome you home.

We must be ready because we never know when our final instant comes. It might come, in the middle of the night, crossing a bridge.

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I offer prayers of sympathy and support for all those that were killed or injured in the Baltimore bridge collapse.  I offer prayers of gratitude for all who helped rescue those injured and who will recover those who died.

 LOST

Have you ever looked for something and couldn’t find it? You can remember the last time you used it. When you were done, you put it back in the correct location. Except, no matter how many times you open the drawer, nothing. It is not there! If I am honest, 99.9% of the time I can find anything in our home.

Now, not to male bash, but hubby can lose something and look and look and look. Finally, he will tell me what he is looking for. And just like that, I see it lying there. Right in front of his eyes, but he could not see it. I guess new eyes were needed.

Mary was weeping. The tomb was empty. She could not find Jesus. He was not there! She saw the angels. (Notice the men did not see the angels, but we will let them off the hook. Maybe the angels were not there when they looked and entered the tomb.) Not only were the angels sitting there, they spoke to Mary and asked why she was weeping. After telling them that the body of Jesus had been taken away, she turned around. And there stood…. the gardener. At least that is what Mary thought. Jesus was still missing.

Jesus spoke her name and she recognized his voice. Mary’s eyes were opened because the sheep recognized the Shepherd’s voice. With new eyes, she saw Jesus.

Being afraid of the Jews, the disciples were not out seeking Jesus. They were in a room with the doors shut. If a grave cannot hold Jesus, a door doesn’t stand a chance. Just like that, Jesus was before them and showed them his hands and his side. With new eyes, they saw him!

Do you have new eyes? Can you see Jesus as you go through your days and nights? Can you see him in your sisters and brothers at church? Can you see him in the unexpected help that comes when you need it? Can you see him as he gives you just the right words to say or deed to do? Can you see him?

Easter is early this year - March 31. Are you ready?

 IT IS TIME

 This is not going to be easy to write, but …..

 Grandma lived with us in the winter. We had indoor plumbing. I loved my grandma, but it was time. The call came in the middle of the night. Mother quickly dressed and was waiting on my dad to get dressed. It seemed like he was moving in slow motion. As a teenager, I wanted to shout, “She is ready to go to her mother. Stop stalling.” They finally left for the hospital. As an adult, I realize dad was not stalling. He knew grandma was already dead and he was giving the hospital time to prepare the body. She lived for the day she would go home and now her faith had been rewarded.

 The death of my father was sudden. With no warning, a brain aneurysm burst and he was in a coma for three days. My prayer was that us kids would make it home before he died. We did, we saw him, and then took mom home to rest. Once again, our family gathered, in the early hours of the morning. It was time. Dad was not a church goer and I was not sure if he was a believer. We didn’t talk about this at home. Oh, us kids were sent to church, but no parent went with us. Dad was a trucker and the “talk to them where they are” chaplain knew my dad. He said he was a man of family and faith. Those words gave me the assurance that I would see my dad again.

My mother was a very young 87. She was a very old 89. Her body was wearing out and she broke a hip. Instead of living in her apartment, we moved her into a nursing home. We honestly thought she would live a few more years. Instead it was a few months. During those months, I made a lot of four hour .. four hours each way … trips to see her. And then I got a call. It was early evening. The nurse tried to get her to hang on until my sister got there. She only lived ten minutes away. My mother shook her head and it was time. Mother told her tired earthly body goodbye and walked, standing straight and with new strength, into heaven. I think God put some weeds in a corner of the garden just for her to pull.

God had a plan to save us from our sins. On that Friday, it was time. And a Son, obeyed the Father, and gave his life for me! And a Son, obeyed the Father, and gave his life for you.

Easter is early this year - March 31. Are you ready?

 THE JOB OF A LIFETIME 

I have worked in various positions.  My first job was doing whatever my mom and dad told me.  This was free labor, but my next job was a paying position.  I was a car hop and made 35 cents per hour plus tips.  Not quite free labor, but close.  Other jobs followed, but were never “the job of a lifetime.” 

The disciples seemed pretty set for life. They were self-employed fishermen or gainfully employed as a tax collector.  Until …. Until they heard the words, ”follow me.”  What?  Drop everything.  No trip to HR.  No guarantee of advancement.  Not even the mention of a salary.  Just “follow me.”  And they did.  They dropped their nets and left their father.  One left the tax money lying on the table.  Other disciples heard about Jesus and went to him.  There were no interviews.  Sit under a fig tree and you just might be the next disciple.    

The disciples thought they had their “job of a lifetime.”  They listened.  They learned.  They saw miracles.  They carried baskets of fish and bread.  They saw Jesus pray.  

The disciples were prepared to be on the job long enough to have their hair turn gray.  They were prepared to follow Jesus through the decades.  At 33 … Jesus would be around for a good many years.  Yes, this was their “job of a lifetime.” Until ….

Until can be a very unpleasant word.  The disciples’ until came when Jesus was arrested.  What do we do now?  Then it got worse.  Jesus was charged and found guilty.  What do we do now?  Jesus was beaten and … and hung on a cross.  What do we do now?  Jesus is dead.  In a grave.  Dead.  What do we do now?

Jesus was no longer there to teach them.  He was no longer there to guide them. What do we do now?

“Follow me.”  Two short words.  Two words said by a man.  Two words that changed the lives of the disciples and put them on a path to spread the Good News.  Jesus still says, “Follow me.”  Two short words.  “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  What do we do now?  

Easter is early this year - March 31.  Are you ready?

 Change

“Why do we have this?”   “Do you want it?”

Those two questions are being heard with great regularity around our house.  We are moving! This move involves a new word: downsizing.  Other moves have been “put it in the box and I’ll figure it out later” moves.  This time, we are moving into an independent home at a local retirement community.  A new adventure but less space.  We no longer need a lawn mower or a snow blower.  I did not count the number of puzzles that no longer reside in one-half of a closet.  They will now challenge someone else.

Purge is my new word.  Purge one is pretty well done.  Purge two will begin shortly.  Purge two will be a bit harder and I do not look forward to the sewing closet.  I remember a friend saying they found a box of string in their parent’s home.  The box was labeled: strings too short to use.  I am afraid I am going to find material scraps that would belong in such a box.  And I will wonder why I kept that small piece.  But, you know…someday I might need a piece just that size.  Of course, I never do and downsizing will mean it goes pitched.

Hang in there.  I am moving toward the point of the blog.  That point is the title: CHANGE!  How we hate that word.  We want everything to stay the same.  News Flash: Change happens!

I look around and see change everywhere.  The Amazon truck goes up our street every day - even Sunday.  Following along are FedEx and USPS.  The way we shop has changed.  Not to be outdone, Ubers will deliver us and Grub-hub will deliver our supper.  Change.  Family news is now announced and shared on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and messenger.  Change.  Going to church now means grabbing another cup of coffee and getting comfortable on the couch.  Change.

So you do not think I am an old fuddy-duddy, I am not opposed to change.  Farmers now feed the world instead of working to just feed their family and books now come flying into your Kindle.  I love technology.  My iPad gives me directions to faraway places and allows me to send messages to my grandkids.  My computer gives me access to articles and information.  I like the old hymns and I like the contemporary hymns.  I think contemporary means any hymn written since 1900.

I do like change.  I like the change that happens when I allow God to direct my path.  I like the change that happens when I accept the forgiveness of my sins through the love of Jesus.  I like the change that warms my soul when I listen to the Holy Spirit.

News Flash: Change happens.  Your life can be impacted by inventions and ideas.  Your life can be enriched by a story and a song.  You can be surrounded by family and friends or sitting quietly by yourself.  You can live in a mansion or on the street.  BUT not one thing invented or thought of by man.  Not one word written or spoken by the greatest preacher.  Not one worldly change can have the impact on your life as the actions of one man.

Easter comes early this year - March 31.  Are you ready?

RE-BLOG NUMBER FOUR:

If you do not understand the idea of re-blog, I will know you did not read the blog for February 2, 2024

Friday, February 28, 2014

WHERE DID HE GO NOW?

(based on Mark 1:36-37)

My imagination wouldn't let go of the disciples looking for Jesus. It is way too funny of a vision rolling around in my mind because I see the disciples scurrying around like mice.

Remember Jesus got up very early. While it was still dark he went off to pray. The disciples were worn out from the previous day's activity, had hit the snooze button on their alarm clocks and were blissfully grabbing ten more minutes of slumber. First one and then the other stood up, stretched and mumbled, "Good morning."

No one was completely awake and conversation was at a minimum until Simon had his first sip of coffee. It was then he realized Jesus was missing.

"Where is Jesus?" Simon asked. "Is he still asleep?"

One disciple ran to where Jesus had slept. "No! He is not here," shouted the disciple.

The disciples were not worried. Surely Jesus was outside looking at the morning star. "No," another disciple yelled, "he is not out here."

My imagination sees the disciples going from room to room looking for Jesus. I bet they even checked the rooms more than once. No Jesus.

Finally, the voice of reason was heard, "Do you suppose he went off to pray?"

The disciples had to figure out which direction Jesus went. This finding Jesus was much harder than the Finding Waldo books. Waldo stayed still on a page but Jesus - well, the disciples were never exactly sure where Jesus would go next.

Get ready. Here it comes. They found him and said, “Everybody’s looking for you.”

I bet Jesus turned his head, looked at his disciples and chuckled, while thinking, "Those silly disciples. Next time I will leave a note."

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

Oh my goodness! The disciples lost Jesus. How dare they?

It could happen to you. Have you ever lost Jesus?

The disciples knew exactly where Jesus was when they went to sleep. The disciples could not find Jesus when they woke up. My imagination makes this a funny scene because when something is lost we look everywhere to find it. We even look in places again to make sure we didn't miss it the first time we looked. This is not funny though.

Have you ever lost Jesus? One minute he is there. Right beside you. Close enough to touch. You are so sure he is with you. You can feel his peace. His presence.

And then you cannot. Jesus is lost. You do not feel his peace. You do not feel his presence.

"Where are you Jesus?" you cry out. "I need you. I need you now."

You look for Jesus. "Where did I leave him? What happened between yesterday and today? What happened to my sense of security? I study. I read the Bible. I believe. Jesus, where are you?"

Alone, even if you are in a crowd or surrounded by family and friends, is how you feel. There is emptiness inside you. But why?

When this happens and it happens to every believer at some time in their faith walk, you have to take a deep breath and examine how you feel, what you have been doing and what you have been thinking. Are you on so many committees at church you don't have time for Jesus? Do you have health issues which consume your whole focus? Have you been so busy feeding the faith of others you have failed to feed yourself?

Stop. Take a deep breathe. Turn around. Jesus is right there and I bet Jesus arms are open and he is saying, "I will never leave you."

RE-BLOG NUMBER THREE:

Friday, February 21, 2014

SOLITARY PLACE

(based on Mark 1:35-37)

These verses cause such a feeling of peace. Come along with my imagination.

It is early morning. Very early and still dark. Do you see Jesus?

Look close at the door. There he is. He is coming out. But where is he going? Why this early? Everyone is still asleep and for sure the coffee shops are not open. What could be so important to get up before the rooster crowed? Why is Jesus not taking one of the disciples with him?

Picture Jesus slowly walking to the edge of town. Calmly putting one foot in front of the other. Slowly but with determination. Jesus is a man on a mission.

Why is he stopping there? What is he doing? Oh!

Ever so gently, Jesus lifts his eyes toward heaven. Then he bows his head.

Jesus prays.

There is no record of what Jesus said. It only says he went off to a solitary place where he prayed. What is important is he prayed.

Can you picture him? His shoulders relaxed. His hands clasped and resting softly in his lap. Taking time to talk with God his Father. Sometimes looking up and smiling. Sometimes the smile being replaced with a look of concern.

Do you hear him praying for -- praying for all of God's sons and daughters?

Off by himself until Simon and his companions find him and exclaim, "Everyone is looking for you!"

I can picture them trying to find Jesus, but the search will have to be another story.

This vision is of Jesus when he went off to a solitary place and prayed.

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

Jesus went off and prayed.

It could happen to you. Do you go off and pray?

This text is not the only reference to Jesus praying. He prayed in a solitary place, on a mountainside, in a garden and on a cross. Jesus prayed to his Father and he prayed for Simon. Jesus taught us the Lord's Prayer. Jesus prayed for himself, the disciples and believers.

Jesus took prayer seriously. Do you?

"You don't understand. I am really busy and the day quickly slips away."

"I don't know what to say. I don't have the right words."

"Do I have to fold my hands? Do I have to raise them? "

My goodness, you are trying to make something really simple very complicated. How about we go over the basics?

There is no right and wrong position. You can pray in bed before you wake up or you can kneel beside your bed. You can pray sitting down or standing up. You can pray in church, in your home, in your car and outdoors. God does not care where you pray.

Your hands are free to be hands. They may lie in your lap. They may wave in the air. They can be lifted high or they can be under your head as you go to sleep. God does not care about the position of your hands.

Now let's tackle the words to use. News Flash: God only wants to hear you talk to him. He wants to hear you marvel at this world he has created for you to enjoy. He wants to hear your questions. He wants to take your concerns and your worries. God sincerely wants to hear, "Can we talk?" God doesn't care what words you use.

Jesus prayed. Do you?

RE-BLOG NUMBER TWO:

Friday, February 14, 2014

SILENT

(based on Luke 1:5-25 and 1:57-80)

"Man I sure have a new compassion for those who cannot speak. Nine months without being able to talk seemed like an eternity. Especially when I had such a great story to tell," Zechariah thought as he held his newborn son.

Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were upright in the sight of God. They followed those commandments and regulations. They were content but their family was only two. They had no children. No children until -- Let Zechariah tell you about it.

"I remember it as if it was yesterday. I was burning the incense when an angel appeared. Having an angel pop in on you is a bit out of the ordinary. My mind went from what I might have done wrong to fearing what he would say."

"Then the angel said not to be afraid and my prayer had been heard. Well, I pray a lot so I wasn't sure exactly which prayer he was referring to until he said my wife's name and she would have a baby. A baby?"

"Then I made a mistake. I pointed out to an angel - the angel Gabriel - God's messenger - that Elizabeth and I were a bit old to be having a baby. Gabriel seemed a bit upset with me questioning his good news and informed me I would be silent until after the baby was born. I wish I could pull those words back into my mouth."

Can you picture Zechariah going home and not being able to explain they needed to get busy and prepare a nursery? Can you see the struggle he went through knowing his son would go before the Lord? Can you picture the wonder in his eyes because the angel mentioned Elijah in the same breath as he mentioned his son? But he was silent.

After nine months, Zechariah finally gets to speak, "And you, my child, ……"

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

Zechariah learned he would become a father and he was to name the child John. He was told the baby would be a joy and a delight and many would rejoice because of his birth. Zechariah had such great news but was silent.

It could happen to you. Do you have good news but remain silent?

There is danger in remaining silent. (You are thinking, "I am not a speaker. I cannot get up in front of people and talk. Speaking is not my talent." Keep reading because this is not about speaking to a group.) When you remain silent, you may cause your family and friends to question your faith. If your faith is not important enough to talk about, it must not be a big part of your life.

Luke could have written a very short, "John was born and prepared the way for Jesus." Instead Luke wrote many verses about Zechariah, Elizabeth and John. Luke wanted his friends, family and all generations to know about John the Baptist. Can you see Luke smiling as he sent this wonderful news to his friends. Can you imagine the joy his friends felt when they read the news Luke had for them? Luke did not remain silent. His message was important.

Zechariah had to be silent for nine months. Nine long months. Months when he could not tell about the glory of God and what was about to happen.

Do you have good news to tell but remain silent? Is your faith important enough to share? Important enough you cannot keep it to yourself?

I waited.  I thought.  I waited some more.  Not one idea for a blog.  I looked in my “ideas I have not used folder.  Not one of them sounded good.  Then it hit me.  Facebook does a reminder of what you were doing three, five, or ten years ago.  I would look back to 2014.  What did I write then? 

I read the blog for February 7, 2014.  Then I read the blogs for the rest of the month.  Guess what – you are going to have a month of re-blogs.

Friday, February 07, 2014

YOU WANT WHAT?

(based on 1 Kings 3:4-15 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-12)

Solomon was a really great man but I wonder if his mind was as sharp as everyone thought. Or maybe it was something he ate at the great gathering of the whole assembly. Either way, I am sure he did not understand the choice God gave him.

Tired after speaking to all Israel - commanders, judges, leaders and heads of families - and going to the high place at Gibeon, Solomon fell asleep. Solomon slept and he had a dream. A whooper of a dream.

"Solomon," said God. "I have a quick question for you. What would you like? Anything. Name it and you got it."

I do not know about you but there are many ways to answer a question such as this. Health. Wealth. A brand new car. Getting my pesky neighbor to move. But no -

Solomon answers, "Oh, wisdom and knowledge will be enough."

"Really? Okay, if wisdom and knowledge are your heart's desire," God replied. "Solomon, you knew how to answer because you have struck the jackpot. Wisdom and knowledge will guide you as you govern my people but you will also receive wealth, riches and honor like none before or none after. And, if you walk in my way, you will live a long time."

Solomon woke up, made some wise decisions and did not lack for chariots, horses, gold or silver.

Solomon was right in the head and he had not eaten any bad food. Solomon was already wise enough to know how to answer God's question.

Wisdom and knowledge is exactly what Solomon needed.

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

A simple question: What do you want? A simple answer: What I need.

It could happen to you. Need to change the wording for this one. This does happen to you.

God is always asking you, "What do you want?" Then he waits for your answer.

When you answer are you wise like Solomon? Is your answer what you want? Or is your answer what you need? There is a big difference.

"What do you want?" God asks you.

With a smile and desire, you reply, "I want to be rich so I can buy a new car, fancy clothes and the best of the best. I want to be healthy so I can dance and run and shop. I want you to get rid of one pesky neighbor who is always bothering me."

Or do you answer another way.

"What do you want?" God asks you.

In a quiet voice you reply, "I want enough to live and help others. I want you to be there as my body hurts, my eyes blur and sounds disappear. I want you to walk with me as I visit my neighbor."

Do you remember what happened to Solomon when God heard his answer? Solomon received what he needed and so much more.

God will do the same for you. God will bless you. Maybe not with a new car or a new neighbor, but with a new outlook on what you need. He will also bless you with forgiveness and eternal life.

"What do you want?" God asks you.

How will you answer?

JOHN THE BAPTIST

The idea for this blog came to me at 5:00 AM, January 23, 2024.  I started it with “I am no artist” and I was going to include a picture I had drawn during a Bible study.  A simple picture to show Jesus being baptized with the sins of all the people floating around him.  I had two sentences written when I realized John was to be the focus.  You see, study after study focuses on Jesus.  The Spirit of God is given a whole chapter.  But what about John?  I started over. 

Picture John telling all the people that “the one was coming.”  This was his message.  One after another, after another, after another, he would dip them in the water and proclaim, “Be prepared.  Confess your sins.  Be baptized, but know, I only baptize with water.  The one who is coming is powerful.  He will Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and Fire.”

I often wondered if John dropped the person he was baptizing when he saw Jesus.  Anyway, he looked up and saw his cousin standing there.  Can you see the smile on Jesus face?  Jesus knew John would stutter and stammer about not being worthy to baptize him.  John would look in Jesus’ eyes and know.  He would know this was why he had been born.  Born for this very moment.

I can see John humbly take Jesus’ hand.  I can see Jesus step into the river.  I can see John look at Jesus and, in that split second, he would understand.  And he would feel the power.  He would feel it as he put his hand on Jesus’ back.  He would feel it as he lowered Jesus into the water.  He would feel it as he spoke silently.  He would feel it as he raised Jesus out of the water.  John would never be the same.  John was changed.

John was changed.  He had heard about the angel coming to his father.  He had heard how his father could not talk.  He had heard about being given the name John.  He had followed all the instructions which the angel had given his father.  He only ate locusts and wild honey.  He had never tasted wine.  And people laughed at the way he dressed.  He had baptized so many people and heard their sins spoken as they were tipped back into the water.  But this… this was different.

John had not expected to have his eyes opened.  He had not known he would be so changed.  Changed because now he understood.  He understood the why to all the times he had been told he could not act how the other children had acted.  He understood why he was to only eat certain foods.  He understood ..  and he was changed.  As John stood in the middle of the Jordan River, no longer holding the Son of God, he was changed.

And John took a deep breath, reached his hand out to a sinner, and said, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is here, the one who is more powerful than I, will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and Fire.”

And John was changed.  Why?  Because the one who was coming had arrived.

Are you thinking this should be an Easter blog?  It probably would work better there, but for some reason and for some person, this blog is to be posted today.  Someone is struggling.  Someone wants to change.  If that someone is you, talk with Jesus.  And, like John, you will be changed.

MY 2024 RESOLUTION —

I was reading the editor’s comments, in the Angel’s magazine, and it got me to thinking.  She said each year she picked a word to be her “word” for the year.  Previous words had been patience and trust.  She was having a hard time picking a word for 2024 until her mother suggested she pick music.  She knew her daughter loved music and loved to dance.  Music made her daughter glow.  Like a good daughter, she listened to her mother.

The point of the article was that we always make a New Year’s Resolution to change something about ourselves.  We will have respect for others.  We will have more hope.  We will watch our language.  We will obey the speed limit.  Sadly, most of us are never able to keep those resolutions.

The Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months.  Only 8% of respondents tend to stick with their goals for one month, while 22% last two months, 22% last three months and 13% last four months.  Not a very good track record.

BUT (pay attention because BUT means a brilliant idea is coming) what if we were like the editor and made a resolution to celebrate and increase the talents God gave us?

I do enjoy music, but God did not endow me with the gift of things associated with music.  I cannot sing.  I cannot dance.  I can barely find the Message on Sirius XM.  BUT (attention please) if you are gifted with a musical talent, maybe your resolution should be to bless more people with that talent.

God did bless me with a very vivid imagination.  I can listen to the music from a play and the play will run through my mind.  I can see the stage and the action.  I read a book and the scenes unfold in my imagination.  I can read a story in the Bible and picture it.  I can see the crippled woman walking through the men to go to Jesus.  I can see the man being lowered through the roof.  My Sunday School class probably wishes I would use it less, BUT I will continue to use those images to bring a character to life or to help explain why the character felt pain or joy or invisible.

Do you get the idea?  Use what God gave you to spread that joy to others.  Use your talent to encourage.   Did you ever think about encouraging being a talent?  It is and if you are an encourager keep it up.  You are a blessing to others.  Are you a good listener?  That is such a gift.  So many people wish they had someone to just listen to them — to actually hear them — to acknowledge their fears and dreams and joys and tears.  Is that you?  Are you a listener?  Then make a resolution to use that talent.

Do you get the idea?  Do you like people?  Be an usher at church.  Do you love the scripture?  Be a liturgist.  Do you have a talent for leading a Bible Study?  Then do it.  Are you reading this and thinking, “I do like _____ but I would be no good at it.”  That is just the gap Satan is looking for.  (Last week’s blog.) He will stop you from using your God given talent by convincing you that you are not good enough.  BUT YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH.  God will guide you.  God will give you opportunities BUT you have to be willing to step out of your “I am not good enough” zone and say yes.  It might be a very small yes, BUT it is the first step.

It is not too late to make a resolution for 2024.  What talent do you celebrate?  What talent do you get great joy from?  What talent brings joy to others?  What talent could bring joy if you shared it?

Make a 2024 resolution: I thank God for the talent of ________ and I will use it as God directs.

 HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY

Last week I answered the age old question of how many people it takes to change a light bulb.  This week I would like to tackle another very old question.  Why did the chicken cross the road?  No, not that one.  That one involves the mind of a female and, as we all know, there is no understanding the mind of a woman.  How often have you been asked: Is the glass half full or half empty?  Your answer is, somehow, supposed to be an indicator of your personality.

With the assumption that the drinking glass has no lid, there is only one answer, but first let’s look at some definitions:

EMPTY:

• containing nothing
• not occupied or inhabited
• lacking reality, substance, meaning, or value

FULL:

• containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
• enjoying all authorized rights and privileges,
• completely occupied especially with a thought or plan

AIR:

• the mixture of invisible odorless tasteless gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen)that surrounds the earth

Is the glass half full or half empty?  The glass, which has no lid, is always full.  You can add water to the very rim and call the glass full.  You can drink half the water and ..  drum roll ..  the glass is still full.  Air replaced the water.

Instead of a glass, let’s think about our souls and start with some definitions.  Note:  The definition for soul was not so easy to find.  These seem to be the common ones.  Also, soul and spirit are not the same thing.

SOUL:

• a person’s total self
• the part of man which enables him to think and reason
• it designates the whole person as characterized by desires, wishes, even cravings and emphasizes that humans are emotional beings

GOD:

• the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe
• a being or object that is worshipped as having more than natural attributes and powers
• the one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality.

LUCIFER/SATAN/DEVIL:

• the rebellious angel who in Christian belief is the adversary of God and lord of evil
• a personal supreme spirit of evil often represented in Christian belief as the tempter of humankind
• the opposite of truth

I like the definition that soul is “a person’s total self.”  Wow.  My total self.  That would mean I am filled to the brim with my soul.  From top to bottom.  From right to left.  Filled.  My soul fills me.  I am filled with desires, wishes, cravings, and I am emotional. 

Well, let me tell you I am filled to the brim with God!!  Clear to the top!  My prayer list is long.  I really, really study to prepare Sunday School lessons, and writing my blog is a time of listening to God’s direction on what words to use.  I am filled to the brim …

but what if I am not filled?  What if I have let my prayer time slip so I can play a computer game?  What if I only glance over the study guides and articles for Sunday School prep?  What if it is Thursday and I do a good enough blog?  What if I am not filled?

Remember the air filling the glass as drinks of water were taken?  If I am not filled, there is room for something else to come into my soul.  And that is just what Satan is waiting for.  All he needs is a tiny gap.  He will do his best to pull me away from my God and Christian beliefs.  He will tell me lies.  And his lies will begin to make sense. 

Is the glass half full or half empty?  The glass, which has no lid, is always full. 

Is your soul half full or half empty?  Is there a gap for Satan to find?