Unveiling Hope

Stoking the Fire

Years ago, a group of us spent a weekend at a friend’s cottage one late October. The sun set early; in order to stay warm we had to build a fire in the hearth. It was pleasant chatting with each other into the late hours of the night – sitting in front of a crackling, warm fire. The fireplace however was the only source of heat. There were six of us. We had decided that we would pair up and each take a watch during the night to make sure the fire didn’t go out.

Having spent much of the day outdoors in the fresh air, we were physically wiped out. We knew it wouldn’t be easy staying up – especially in front of a nice cozy fire - and that is why we decided to do the watches in pairs. Exposure is dangerous and can catch a person by surprise even after a couple of hours. Having someone else to chat with was helpful in keeping us awake but the first pair of ladies found it the most difficult because – like the rest of the group – they were tired and needed sleep as well.

As one of the women in the first watch, I can tell you that it was more tempting than one would think to just close my eyes for 5 minutes. But I knew myself and I knew my friend. The fire would have ended up going out and we would have frozen. We weren’t able to put more logs on the fire before it was time because we would have created a blaze and wasted wood.

The Bible recounts Jesus’ rebuke of three disciples who couldn’t stay awake and pray for Him at the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus told them to remain awake and alert lest they fall into temptation.

It occurs to me, when thinking back on that weekend, that my relationship with Christ can be compared to it far too easily. When I first gave my heart to Him, my passion for Him was on fire. As I became comfy and cozy in our relationship, it was much like that first night at the cottage – I wanted to sleep – like Peter and his friends did. There are times when I realize that I have dozed off a bit in my relationship with Jesus. There are times when I awaken, shivering, to find that there remains only embers left in the hearth of our relationship and it’s all my doing. All I have to do is move a little bit closer – make an effort – stay alert and awake.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” James 4:8.

What Shall I Wear?

When I buy a new outfit, or even I new shirt or a pair of shoes I get excited. I am not an avid shopper. I’m not a collector of shoes and purses (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But when I buy something new that I really like I can’t wait to wear it. I plan when I’ll wear it. If I’m going to church the next day, I’ll wear it and then hang it back up as soon as I return and then I’ll get to wear it to work the next day.

I don’t get excited because others will see and admire my new acquisition. I get excited because I feel new. I’m not wearing the same old same old. I feel special when I’m wrapped in something warm and colourful – something that says “Now that’s Hope.”

What we wear often speaks volumes about who we are. Years ago, without my even having realized it, I had a closet full of black: black pants, black skirts, black shirts and black dresses. I was, in the spiritual and the natural, walking in darkness and it felt like there was no colour in my life. My clothes told a story about who I was during that time. Much like the period when I spent most of my time clothed in sweat pants and t-shirts.

This new interest in what I wear is again reflecting my life. I feel content and satisfied. I feel special and loved. There are some days I feel like a bride walking around in my wedding dress. When a woman walks around in her wedding gown, she doesn’t just walk – she floats – she glides – she’s becomes a visual expression of love and she wants to share this with everyone – she wants everyone she sees to have what she has.

I’ve been feeling like I’m walking around in my wedding gown lately. I want to wear it every day. Now and then, I’ll notice that there is a stain on it and I assume that everyone sees it and that’s what they are focussed on. In fact, I’m the only one who really focuses on that stain. There are times when that one little stain can change my outlook and my look – if I let it.

What’s so wonderful is the realization that, during these times, in Christ all stains come out. There are no permanent stains and there is nothing He loves more than to see His Bride dressed and ready for the Big Day – gown, heart, smile and soul. I love that each morning I never have to ask, “What shall I wear?”

What are you wearing today?

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready,” Rev. 19:7.

Photo provided courtesy of Free Digital Photos

It's Not Always What We Do . . .

There are times when we just can’t explain why . . . why we are besieged by spiritual attacks . . . why those “thorns” just seem to poke at us and stick us with everything under the sun. We look for answers. What did I do? Where did I go wrong? Am I being punished? Is this a test? It’s not always a matter of what we do, what we’ve said, or what we’ve thought. Sometimes there just seems to be an opening for that old serpent to slither in and get comfortable – he likes to nest in our lives and burrow through our spiritual armour.

Life can be rolling along, going wonderfully. We’re blessed and feeling stronger than ever in Christ Jesus our Rock. This is usually when we tend to let our guards down. We can allow ourselves to get comfortable. We become less alert. We create – without realizing it – an opportunity for the enemy to find a chink in our armour. It’s in these times where we feel safest that we are often most vulnerable.

We need to be ever vigilant, ever alert, always awake and ready.

“Give no opportunity to the devil,” Eph. 4:27.

Taking a Stand

                                                                                                           

Entering into discussions concerning religion and politics is something I’ve always steered away from. Perhaps there’s been an element of insecurity about my lack of formal education that has kept me quiet, falsely believing that I am not entitled to an opinion because I don’t know everything there is to know about either subject. For the most part however, that’s probably more of an excuse than anything else.

Our lead pastor gave a very interesting talk about people pleasing  at Lifecentre on Sunday. Until his talk, I considered myself a reformed people pleaser. So much for that! If I had to label my behaviour in regard to my silence on those subjects, I’d have to admit that I’m a passive people pleaser. It’s not so much that I’m bent on being liked – who wouldn’t rather be liked than disliked? At the end of the day however, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t give a rip. Not everyone is going to like me. I’ve dealt with that; let’s move on.

Here’s the catch . . . I don’t like conflict – the kind of conflict that tends to evoke hostility or violence - and let’s face it – are there any subjects that evoke hostility and violence more than religion and politics? I doubt it.

Giving the entire subject rational and objective thought (as objective as I can be where I’m concerned), I’ve come to understand that having experienced violence in my life has borne in me a fear to take an unpopular stand. As a result, I have a tendency to remain silent and in “good standing” with others where those topics are concerned. That is people pleasing no matter how you dress it up. I’m not a child anymore.

Silence can be a stamp of approval on what is morally, ethically, and/or spiritually wrong. Saying nothing to maintain the peace can be hurtful. I despise political correctness and hypocrisy, they are blinders that narrow the focus, and now I see that I’ve been wearing these very blinders. Shall I therefore continue to say nothing, ignore what I see, and what I hear, for the sake of not offending? There will always be someone who will be offended by my views on religion and politics – mine and everyone else’s.

The blinders are off; I’m going to grow up now. I’m taking a stand and I’m standing firm.

“By standing firm you will gain life,” Luke 21:19.

Reveillons

                                                                                

Réveillons is a French tradition. It’s more than the custom of midnight mass followed by a family meal, and the opening of gifts, that begins on Christmas Eve. The word “réveillons” comes from the French verb “réveiller” which means to awaken.”

There is something about Christmas that awakens my spirit and renews it afresh every year. My first Christmas as a believer was celebrated exactly 5 years ago tonight. It was my “réveillons.” It was the first Christmas Eve for which my eyes and heart were truly opened. Giving my heart to Christ awakened me and gave me life; it gave me hope – a new Hope.

Whatever your Christmas traditions may be, I pray that this Christmas Eve will awaken a new life – a new Hope in your life.

God Bless You.

All of a Sudden

Have you ever heard someone tell about an “all of a sudden” experience? Maybe they had an epiphany about their purpose in life. Perhaps in a moment of sudden clarity they were able to make a decision without hesitation. Maybe they’ve had a divine experience - a prayer request answered right away, or an immediate response for direction – these are all examples of things I’ve desired from time to time.

I have to admit that I’ve heard several “all of a sudden” stories – stories that have left me feeling elated for the individual and saddened by my own lack of the same experiences.

It’s been a battle to work through these feelings because I am only too much aware that yearning for what someone else has, or has experienced - a blessing - is wrong. I’ve come to learn something very important from my transgressions. God has taught me that He has made me unique. I am a person who requires time to learn and understand in order to appreciate to the fullest what I’ve been taught or what I’ve been blessed with.

I’m a slow learner but once I learn a lesson I’ll not soon forget it. When I’m blessed after a period of waiting, I recognize the value of my blessing and I praise Him in a spirit of profound gratitude.

Do I still secretly hope that one day – all of a sudden – I’ll have a testimony to share that will make someone’s eyes pop, (including my own)? Sure, I do. But . . . I now understand the difference between hoping for an experience and wishing I was experiencing someone else’s blessing.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well,” Psalm 139:14.

The Big Gulp

Sharing our needs with those who care about us is never easy. Telling someone we need a shoulder to lean on, or a helping hand, can render us vulnerable and needy – or weak. The fear of rejection can create a barrier that can leave us feeling even more helpless and motivates us to do absolutely nothing to help ourselves. People who are by nature givers usually have greater difficulty in asking for help.

I was always an independent person. It wasn’t until I began to know Jesus that I realized that I was actually being selfish by refusing to reach out to others – to be clear and forthcoming about my needs. Not sharing my needs lead to the perpetuation of the need – often the situation did not only affect me but also affected family and other loved ones. I also realized that failing to communicate my needs to others robbed them of an opportunity to bless me. Because God blesses us in order for us to be a blessing to other, we deny others opportunities to be blessed for their obedience when we strive to live independently of others. Learning how to swallow my pride was like taking the THE big gulp and trying not to choke on it.

Bill Withers sings the song beautifully in his song, Lean on Me: “Please swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow. For, no one can fill those of your needs that you don’t let show. Lean on me, when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend; I’ll help you carry on. For, it won’t be long, ‘til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.”

We need each other. Jesus leaned on His disciples. At the Garden of Gethsemane He was troubled and frightened. He needed His friends to stay awake with him. He asked. He showed His vulnerability and gave them an opportunity to come through for Him. They didn’t, but that’s a part of life. Not everyone can be there all the time but that shouldn’t prevent us from asking.

Do you find it easy to ask for what you need?

“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'” Matt. 25:37-40.

Scratching the Surface

The last three days of our trip to Israel we spent in the city of Jerusalem. This photo is a picture of the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. Would you have guessed that only hours before this photo was taken, I was standing beneath this wall – leaning against a wall built by King Herod, layered on top of the original wall erected by King Solomon? I walked under the Most Holy Place; my feet walked on the same stone walk that Jesus walked on when He taught at the Temple.

One look at this picture of the Wailing Wall doesn’t do the story justice – it’s just merely scratching at the surface.

I remember some five years back, I was barely a shell of a person walking into a building that would – through its community – live up to its name: The Lifecentre. My exterior was hard and cold and somewhat mossy, much like the picture before you. Before getting to my heart, there were a multitude of layers to bore through. In many cases, that is exactly what many people had to do – bore through my layers through love and persistence in order to get to my heart. My heart had been buried beneath many layers of reconstruction.

When I gave my heart to Christ He began an excavation. Carefully and bit by bit, He exposed the heart and soul of me that He had preserved. He moved in and cleaned up. I hope I never forget those days because I know that in my walk I will always encounter people who have buried their hearts for whatever reasons. I know that Christ in me will want to dig a little deeper and I pray that He gives me the persistence I need to hold up the Light so He can do His work.

People are little but layers built upon layers but one thing is true of us all – we’re all built to rest on the same foundation. God wants to dig beneath the surface; the question is: are you willing to hold up the Light while He works?

 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house,” Matt. 5:14-15.

Walking a Mile in Someone Else's Shoes

There’s an old adage that says, “walk a mile in my shoes.” There have been countless times in my life when I had thoughtlessly wished I could walk in someone else’s shoes. In the last few years however, I’ve learned that walking in someone else’s shoes comes with a price – it’s a serious responsibility.

While touring the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial there was one exhibit that spoke volumes to my heart. It was a transparent floor, reminiscent of a coffin, filled with literally hundreds of shoes – shoes removed from murdered Jews – shoes with nobody in them.

It was a box of devastation – a symbol of the innumerable lives abruptly ended mercilessly - shoes of all sizes with nobody in them. As I stood gripped by the horror, I wept from a place inside that I didn’t even know existed – as if they were members of my own family – my brothers and sisters. Then I realized that that is exactly what they were. The generations that followed, those living now, are no doubt walking that proverbial mile in different ways – these too are my family.

The bible says that I was adopted into God’s family. I know then for certain that through this adoption, my roots run deep. I am connected to His family and I don’t take this lightly.

My feet, nor anyone else’s will ever walk in the shoes displayed at the Memorial, but as one who has been accepted into a Royal Family, I understand that I bear the responsibility of making sure there will never be another exhibit filled with shoes with nobody in them.

“After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!” Romans 11:24.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

Like most everyone else in North America, I have a recycle bin. I store up the recyclable garbage and place it at the curb every 7 days. Some nice guy empties it and leaves it there for me to pick up when I get home from work. The process sets itself in motion thereafter.

Last week someone said these words to me, “Hope, you need to work on your patience.” As a Christian, those words stung – truth often does have a bit of a sting to it. I do need to work on my patience. After relating the story to a friend recently she said, “You can’t change that about yourself – only the Spirit of God can change that.”

I beg to differ. While I agree that any permanent change in my character is a gift from God’s Spirit to mine – He does need something from me – my cooperation and willingness to change.

I’ve been mulling over the words uttered to me last week and have found something positive to focus on in his truth. “. . . work on your patience.”  In order to work on my patience, I must already have some to work with! God has taken me a long way. I remember when I had none.

Like the garbage that I put out every week, God is able to use some of my garbage after it’s been kicked to the curb. He doesn’t have to throw everything out, some of it He re-works – like my testimony for example. Five years ago I would have gladly exchanged many things about my past that have had an influence on my character, but not God. God sees that even at my worst there was still something redeemable in me. He has recycled my past into a testimony that glorifies Him.

In the past, I had no patience. Today, I have some patience. Tomorrow, I’ll have more patience as He diligently sifts through my trash – my characters flaws and deficiencies.

“May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God,”  Phil. 1:11.