Babylon is Watching

Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king's food or with the wine he drank.

The Old Testament story is well-told in children's Sunday School classes. We read how King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. The king put the word out to look for the best looking young men and bring them back to Babylon. These near-perfect men would train for 3 years in preparation to serve in the kings court.

Daniel and 2 of his friends were in the group of young men taken to Babylon.

We quickly learn that, although he knew he couldn't change his address, Daniel made the decision to be faithful to God. Daniel was bold enough to ask the chief official for permission to stay away from the kings unhealthy food. After some back and forth, the official agreed to a 10 day testing.  

These boys were in a foreign land that worshipped foreign gods. They did not have their parents or family members nearby for support. All they brought with them was the truths God had planted deep in their hearts.

Imagine, if you can, the fear that must have gripped them in this cold and pagan world.

The Bible says God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the eyes of the official. This is the only way Daniel and his friends were awarded 10 days of clean eating.

At the end of 10 days the official clearly saw Daniel and his friends were healthier and looked better than the others. He continued to give them the vegetables they requested.

As believers, you and I step into Babylon every time we walk out the door or turn the television on. Goodness, we carry Babylon with us everywhere we take our cell phones.

Each time we find ourselves in Babylon, we have a choice to make. We can be determined to be faithful to God or we can look like we belong in Babylon. This is real-life stuff. We can laugh at the same jokes, stab our co-workers in the back, watch the same movies, hang out in the same bar on Friday nights, and use the same language- that would be Babylon.

Or

We can allow what we learn from our own private Bible study time as well as what we learn when we get together on Sundays to change us and make us Christ-like. We can ask God to plant His words deep in our hearts. We can remain undefiled in Babylon.

You know, they didn't sneak over for a taste of the kings rich food even one time. They were too determined to be faithful.

Daniel and his friends remained true to God and the result was obvious to onlookers.

Babylon is watching.

Could it be, as we are faithful, someone in Babylon might decide they are tired of living a sick, tired life?

Babylon is watching.

Watching with curious eyes when we face life's challenges.

Babylon is watching.

Watching when our hearts break, expecting us to turn from our faithful God and enter into Babylon.

Not every battle we fight is for our own good and growth. Some battles are for the people of Babylon.

Babylon is watching.

You know, at the end of the training years, he interviewed all of the men for his court. The king found no one equal to Daniel and his friends. In fact, the king found them to be 10 times better than any other servant in his kingdom.

The rest of the story is full of amazing ways God used these young men to be salt and light in Babylon.

God hasn't changed.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8

We Thought We Had Tomorrow

I thought I had tomorrow

                  He said in raspy voice

It passed me by without warning

                   I feel I had no choice

I went to work every day

                   The bills just wouldn’t wait

I sat alone each evening

                    Never thinking of my fate

I thought I had tomorrow

                     She whispered as she cried

Father time ticked away

                      Never on my side

From dawn to dusk

                     My work was always there

I meant to stop and play awhile

                     I feel life isn’t fair

We thought we had tomorrow

                     Our regrets have caused us pain

We thought we had tomorrow

                      If only we could do it over again

Did someone try to warn us

                    As we hurried on our way

Was an alarm sounding

                     Telling us tomorrow is today

I sent you many moments

             He said so patiently

To wake you from your slumber

             And help you clearly see

Did you hear your wife when she called

              To say she missed you very much

Yes, her heart was longing                                                                                                            

              For the presence of your touch

Your little girl waited

            On a swing in the park

Looking for her daddy

             She waited until dark

I gave the phases of the moon

             As today creeps into tomorrow

That you might live in the moment

              And have no reason for sorrow

There was the warning of outgrown shoes

             To show time marches on

And each new skill your child mastered

             Screamed today is almost gone

There are quiet reminders all around

              Meant to guide and point the way

That you might heed the warning

              Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you should do today

Please don’t despair, it’s not too late

            You have the gift I’ve given to everyone

You have this moment; you have today

             From dawn til setting sun

Give me your all your devotion

            I am The One who numbers each day

I will show you what’s most important

            Take the time to pray

I will give you all you need

             To balance work and family

I will multiply your days on earth

              And bless you abundantly

You see that little girl

            Her eyes are sparkling for you

When she says “Come play with me”

            Well, that would be your cue

Your little boy, standing there

           Bat and glove in hand

Yes, that’s a flag of warning

            Play ball while you can

Take the hand of the one you love

             Live intentionally regret-free

Now you know, the alarm has sounded

              All you need is God and family

(Photo props to Cari Dee)

             

            

             

              

             

            

           

        

                          

             

            

              

            

             

            

                    

                   

                    

In The Waiting

The courtyard in Ochsner Hospital is incredibly relaxing. The atmosphere is oddly serene. Hundreds of people have already passed by as I drink my coffee, pray for my mom and listen to the piano music's familiar tunes-

 whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, it is well with my soul.

Waiting.

I'm not alone in my waiting.

All these people, they are waiting too. Waiting to hear, waiting to see, waiting to know.

As they pass by on their way to only God knows where and what, I wonder . . . do they know Him?

Are they waiting alone?

Furrowed brows and pained smiles,  quick steps with heavy feet.

I find myself thinking of my life's verse - Joshua 1:9 - as I wait on my mom to finish her scans this morning.

God's promise, "Don't be afraid. Be courageous. I am with you wherever you go."

When you face false accusations - I am with you.

When the biopsy comes back - I am with you.

When he/she walks out - I am with you.

As you fall into anesthesia-induced sleep - I am with you.

When you finally realize you have no control - I am with you.

As I pray for my mom and our family members who long to control the outcomes, as I pray for my friends in their own battles, as I pray for these strangers as they pass me by,

I praise God for keeping His promises. And I pray that, through the journey of uncertainties, we all know Him more intimately, love Him greater, trust Him more and give Him glory for every good thing.

May those who don't understand God as they watch to see how we respond find us faithful. As they look on and wonder if we have gone loony tunes, may they move from intrigue to interest. May they want what we have.

I hate waiting.

But waiting serves a purpose when we spend that time determining to put our trust in God and God alone.

Come unto me all who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest.

Star Light, Star Bright First Star I See Tonight. . .

God scattered the stars like dazzling diamonds on a sea of black velvet at the dawn of time. He knew we would gaze up at night and gain hope for a better tomorrow, knowing Someone with great power created such wonder.

And in His great wisdom, He knew we would need the blessings in life to guide us like a shepherds staff guides the sheep safely into the fold before the cover of night.

I guess most of us think of blessings as things such as

a wet kiss from your grand-baby

someone who pays for your food in the Wendy's drive thru

a card in the mail from a sweet friend who is "thinking of you"

the sight of the American flag waving in the breeze

a surprise phone call from one of your kids "just because"

puppy breath

These things are blessings for sure, and I love them all.

Here lately though, I find myself thinking and talking about an entirely different kind of blessing.

I am certain you can relate to the "what next" kind of day; and I am not referring to the simple stuff like a flat tire, a headache and being dog-tired.

No, I'm talking bigger. For me it's when people I love are hurting--facing surgery, worry over a much loved pet that may not live through the night, relationship strains and the dreaded "C" word we have all come to despise.

I bet you think I sat at your dinner table and listened in as you discussed your concerns for the people you love.

As I look life's difficulties square in the face tonight, I find myself feeling incredibly blessed.  I admit, I am surprised at God's incredible work and grace in the middle of storms that should be pulling me under.

Instead, I am learning and growing and relying more on The Only One who loves me best.

I see God placing His gentle, Fatherly arms of grace securely around the people I love.

Friends from all over remind me many times a day of their prayers, support, and "call me if you need me."

Most of all, with every prayer I whisper, with every tear that falls, and when worry over things I cannot control threatens to rise within me,

God steps in.

And I am calmed by the reminder

LIFT UP YOUR EYES ON HIGH AND SEE: WHO CREATED THESE? HE WHO BRINGS OUT THEIR HOST BY NUMBER, CALLING THEM BY NAME, BY THE GREATNESS OF HIS MIGHT, AND BECAUSE HE IS STRONG IN POWER NOT ONE IS MISSING.

ISAIAH 40:26

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight--no need to wish, it's not by my might, I know God is answering my prayers tonight. 

He's near, He hears, I'll feel no fear--He made the stars and the message is clear, He knows what's best, He'll dry my tears.

Joy comes in the morning.

  

These Things I Know

Why are we here?

Is life on earth some kind of cosmic joke?

Does God watch from a cloud and play a game of chess with us?

Does God deal out destruction just to see us struggle?

If God can intercede . . .well, why doesn't He?

Honestly we will not know the many ways He intercedes daily until we get to heaven and are absolutely wowed by it. I will praise Him for the battles I never fought because He stepped in. I will give Him glory for protection against my enemy.

Most of all, I will stand amazed in His presence for a split second before I fall on my face and thank Him for saving my soul.

Until that day, THESE THINGS I KNOW:

 His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God without prejudice,

 He is righteous and true.

Deuteronomy 32

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:13

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness

 to all who call upon you.

Psalm 86:5

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 

My momma bought me a Bible for my 16th birthday. In the front cover she wrote out Philippians 1:6. True that day and true today -  I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

Those things in life He allows - the beautiful and the difficult - He allows for a purpose. The purpose of keeping His promise in Philippians 1:6. 

If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior the promises are the same for you. He is always working and never forsaking.

If you have never prayed and asked Jesus to be your everything, you cannot begin to understand this blog. But, friend, I can testify Jesus is listening for your voice. He's waiting for the invite that will change your eternity. The invite that will change your today.

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yolk is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11

I cannot imagine a single moment of the day or night without Him.

These things I know:  God is good. God is just, God is faithful.

God is always working.

Yes, these things I know.

Do I Have to Close My Eyes When I Pray?

One of the many joys of I find in leading in children is that of teaching them to prayer.

Let me first say, prayer is still a mountainous mystery to me. I'm still learning. What I do know though, is God tells us we should pray without ceasing, pray believing, and trust Him to answer out of His grand Fatherly grace and love for us.

I hope the kids I lead remember a few things for a lifetime.

God is holy and is worthy of our respect.

Prayer is an honor, not to be taken for granted.

Prayer can be spoken, thought, and felt. In other words, when we have no words the creator of our heart knows whats going on in the heart.

Kids, like adults, can pray anywhere, anytime. We talk about praying on the school bus, during an exam, in dark, in the daylight, while running on the playground, when seeing someone cry, and after winning the big game. Prayer takes place without saying a word and while saying many words.

Prayer is listening. We can pray scriptures and ask God to lead us. And God answers.

When we are in a large group, I teach the kids that everyone in the room, yes ALL of us, bow our heads and close our eyes. We do that so we are not distracted by the people around us. We do that so we can show God our respect by focusing on Him as we pray.

But, do I have to close my eyes when I pray?

Oh, no. No sweet child of God. Because He is all powerful, all knowing, and consuming love He hears the prayer of faith whether your eyes are open or closed. He hears your prayer even when you don't know how to pray.

He hears the prayers of His children that are words replaced by groans. He knows the heart when all we can whisper is "Oh, Father . . ."

Matthew 8:2 the leper prayed for healing and verse 3 Jesus heals.

Matthew 8:25 the disciples cry out for fear of drowning. Verse 26 Jesus calmed the storms - that on the sea and those in their hearts.

John 4:49 the official pleaded with Jesus to heal his son. Verse 50, Jesus said "Go, your son will live."

Acts 4:24-30 the disciples prayed for boldness and power; verses 31-33 the Holy Spirit answered.

As we pray, we remember that God is faithful to work in all things and to answer our prayers as He works His perfect will in our lives,

The wonder and mystery of prayer encompasses those times we can't understand. The long nights of what seems to be filled with unanswered questions. The sunrise that appears to shout the unknown.

James 1 reminds us to ask in faith without doubting.  Faith that God's will is perfect and we can trust His answer to be what is best. Best isn't always easy. But God's best is faithful and trustworthy.

When you pray, open your eyes and your heart. Know that God is faithful in all things.

Give God the glory as you face the unknown of the day. Praise Him for the sunrise. Trust Him in the heat of the day. Celebrate the breeze that cools you and vast blue sky that reminds you the Creator is real and always in charge. Exhale as you watch the sun begin to set, knowing God is present and faithful in the daylight and the night.

Open your eyes. God hears. God answers. God is faithful.

That Highly Favored Kind of Feeling

I am feeling extremely special and loved.

You see, I am a part of a precious church family. I know there are countless church families, just like mine, all around the world.

They are families full of people who love each other. People who, when they say they are praying for you, really pray.

I will travel this week to spend a bit of time with someone I dearly love. She's beginning yet another chapter of tough stuff. She's no stranger to life's battles. What I've learned from her though, in each battle, is there's no such thing as quitting.

My church family learned of this new battle and covered me with their love this morning. I received hugs and encouragement and the promise of prayer and numerous "call or text if you need anything" even the offer to travel to where I will be if needed.

This, my friends, is the joy and blessing of being a part of God's family.

As I type this blog and listen to my favorite Janet Paschal songs, I am reminded of God's faithfulness in all seasons. I am grateful He uses His people to be "God with skin on."

This highly favored kind of feeling, it doesn't belong to me alone. That's one of the amazing truths of the family of God.

These people love God.

And they love me.

And they love each other.

Perhaps you are dealing with the speed bumps of life on your own. You don't have to.

God is willing and ready to be your everything.

And His people. . . well, they gather every Sunday and worship Him. Churches full of real people, people with weakness and imperfections. People trying to learn how to be more like Jesus; people who want to love Him more. People who fail. People who hurt. People who long for heaven.

Look around you and choose a place to worship. Become a part of God's great family.

This highly favored kind of feeling, it comes from God. He uses His people to make it known.

Thank you, my precious church family, for loving me. Thank you for praying for me and those I love. Thank you for your favor.

 Don't walk through life without being a part of a church family. You'll experience what it's like to be highly favored.