Dwelling

As I was working today a familiar verse, Psalm 91:1, came to mind.  It says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty".  I have read this verse many times, of course, but today my spirit was drawn to two words that I had not thought much about before, "dwells" and "shadow".  What does it mean to "dwell" in the shelter of the Most High?  The dictionary definition is, "to live or stay as a permanent resident".  What better place to reside than in the God's shelter, and thereby rest in His shadow.  In this place of shelter and rest I find my peace.  Though the world around me is in turmoil I can have peace when I am in His shelter.

Saddened

The news of the day (Osama bin Laden's assassination) and the reaction to it sit upon me like an anchor.  I am grieved by the glee displayed not only by unbelievers, but also brothers and sisters in the faith.  It has caused me to think, "How must the Father feel about this?"  Of course, His heart must broken that one of His beloved sons has passed onto eternity without (presumably) receiving the gift of Jesus blood.

"He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  2 Peter 3:9b

If we have hate in our hearts how are we any different than Osama?  According to Scripture we have committed murder too.

Jesus said,  "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you"  Luke 6:27

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."  Romans 12:19

Brothers and sisters, our kingdom is not of this world!  Osama bin Laden was just as much a beautiful creation of God as you or I.  We have NO right to determine that someone else's life should end.  Did this murder prove anything other than that we were out for vengeance?  Who do you think won in this?  Of course, the only one who won was the enemy of our souls.  He must be absolutely giddy that not only was he able to claim a soul for himself, but supposed followers of Jesus are reveling in this outcome.

I do not swear allegiance to any earthly kingdom, but rather I am looking for heavenly kingdom.  Don't say that I am ungrateful for the "freedoms" that I enjoy in this country.  I am, but I would rather trade it all for a country filled with believers who are passionate for the kingdom of God, who are willing to suffer to the point of death for the name of Jesus.

A sinner saved by grace

Light & Salt ??

Two months ago I returned to a work environment that I had not been a part of for 6 years.  I re-entered the world of a metal fabrication shop.  This job change was brought on by necessity and is not expected to last much longer, but during my time there I have had time to reflect on what it means to be salt and light in a lost and dying world.

I knew before returning to the shop that it would be a bit of a shock to me because it had been so long since I had listened to the steady diet of profanity, vulgarity, and general roughness that goes on in that sort of workplace.  However, as I have worked alongside these men who are lost and hurting I have become deeply ashamed of the witness that so many "Christians" that have come in contact with these men.  I have heard countless times, "if that is what it means to be a Christian, no thanks!", or some other variation of this statement.  Also, the word "hypocrite" has been used many times to describe believers who do not act in a Christ-like manner.

I have observed that much of this poor view of Christians is brought about by mistreatment at the hands of so-called believers.  How sad that the lost cannot say, "Wow, he treated me with compassion!  I see that Jesus has made a difference in my life."

This time has caused me to evaluate how I act and realize that I am being watched closely to see if I am just another "hypocrite".  Do I treat the "slow guy" in the shop with compassion?  Do I try to help him instead of joining in with the others in tearing him down?  Do I make sure that I always speak with openness and honesty?  Admittedly, I do not always hit the mark, but thankfully there is grace anew each day.

Pray for me that I might be salt and light, and that I might act with Christ's love.

Grief

Today marks the 6th anniversary of Alaina's birth and Saturday will be 6 years since her passage to the Father's arms.  I have been surprised in the 9 months since we have returned to the States from Nicaragua that there is still a lot of pain in my heart from our loss.  I guess that I thought I had "dealt with all of that", but I believe that I had suppressed the pain to enable me to move on with the activities of life.

In any case, here we are remembering once again what was and what might have been.  I find myself thinking of what it would be like to have a 6 year old girl in our family.  I think of how painful it was to let her go.  And I think of the bittersweetness of knowing that she is in everlasting joy with Abba Father.  I suppose I am even a bit envious that she is there and I am still here struggling through life.

I know that this experience was for a purpose and I appreciate that I can now share in the pain that others around me are experiencing, but...

I miss you little blondie and can't wait to see you in heaven!

Te quiero mucho mi chelita linda!  Se que estas en la presencia de nuestro Papa y espero estar contigo pronto!