Day By Day Delighting

 I was reading in the book of Luke the other day, and when I got to the story of the miraculous catch of fish in chapter 5, I caught myself smiling.   You know the story and probably the song.  It is in the beginning of Jesus ministry.  He is by the Sea of Galilee. The crowds are large and so He climbs into a fishing boat and instructs the fisherman to put the boat out into the water a ways.  He tells the fishermen to cast their nets on the right side of the boat.  They advise that they had worked hard all night and hadn't caught anything.  Then Simon says to Jesus, "But because you say so  I will let down the nets".  Imagine their surprise and joy when their nets became so full of fish that they began to break---and then their boat was filled with so many fish that it began to sink--and not only their boat but the boat of their partners too!!!!! Incredible!! I love this story.  I remember teaching it in children's Sunday school....

 It has long been a frustration of mine that we, both as Christians and as a society, have "dumbed down" the word "Christian".  We have robbed it of its very essence.  Christian by very simple definition is one who follows Christ.  One who has made the biblical commitment (baptism) to belong to Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to follow Him for the rest of their days.  We do this, accessing His blood, not just to avoid the penalty of sin, but to be able to live with Him in Heaven for all eternity!  It is a commitment! And that commitment is both commanded and necessary.  I hear people, even some in the church, call every nice person they meet "Christian".  I have a good Christian neighbor....the coach is a good Christian..my son is dating a good Christian girl.  If this is indeed accurate, and they are indeed Christ followers, bless you. But so often the description is used interchangeably with the word nice or kind or well behaved.  T...

 I was recently reading the story of Jairus' daughter in Luke 8, when the 53rd verse struck a chord in my heart.  The story is about Jesus is traveling around in the region of Galilee, preaching and healing. A synagogue ruler named Jairus fell at His feet, begging him to come heal his 12 year old daughter. The text says that this distraught father knew his beloved daughter was dying.   Jesus, healing folks on the way, arrived at the house to help.  The mourners were outside wailing, because Jesus was too late. Jesus orders them to stop wailing, saying "she is not dead, but asleep." He proceeds to go into the house and "awaken" her.  Verse 53 says of the crowd, "they laughed at him (him being Jesus) because they KNEW she was dead."    Interesting that of all the verses in this beautiful story, I like this one???  It speaks of knowledge without faith.  Things we KNOW , but when Jesus is factored in, it is not uncommon for what we know to c...

 Ever so often I find myself drawn to the news.  Some little (or big) tidbit about events just captivates me for days!  It might be a nation wide story or one involving my little community or even our congregation. Whatever it it, it captures my attention, stirs up some emotion in me and whets my appetite for more.  Recently, like many Americans, I was focused on the floods.  So much devastation! Such great loss! My heart hurt so badly for the ones who were still waiting ....hoping ....praying. I felt like weeping for those overwhelmed with grief, seeking comfort in memories! I mourned over futures never fulfilled, photos never taken, adventures never experienced and loves never loved!  It was emotionally devastating!  But, as empathy  navigated me through the crisis, some new emotions began to surface.   I became angry!   Angry  I think it's because as in every story, the devil inserts himself and his agenda.   ...

 Remember the story in Luke chapter seven? Our Lord has been invited to dinner at the home of a Pharisee named Simon. I imagine it was quite the buzz!  This young Rabbi at the home of a Pharisee!  WHAT????? His "new" and controversial ideas were sweeping Judea like a storm. The Pharisees, the self designated religious elite, were concerned and collectively began trying to thwart this ministry. So Simon has him over for a meal. It is not a secret invite. It is big news! You know the rest of the story ..the woman, overwhelmed by her sins and filled with remorse, her eyes unable to hold back the tidal wave of tears, begins to weep onto the Lord's feet and dry them with her hair.  In an incredibly moving act she lovingly pours expensive perfume on them. Surely this touched the hearts of all those watching. They were witnessing "godly sorrow!" But not everyone saw the beauty in this picture.  Remember Simon?  His pride prevented him from seeing the scene as it w...

 I recently watched a movie about the crucifixion and resurrection of the Christ.  Although based (loosely) on scripture, I enjoyed the movie. There were many great, thought provoking moments.  One that has been taking up space in my brain, is a scene where the tomb is found empty and the 11 apostles are being questioned about the "location of the body". At one point, the centurion questions the demeanor of one very excited and smiling apostle who responds with "don't you see? This changes EVERYTHING!". I have been pondering this since I heard it. Such a powerful and profound statement! I can imagine the hopelessness and despair His followers felt when after 3 years of following...being hungry and tired and abused and witnessing miraculous events and hearing "riddles and stories" they didn't understand. They were witnesses of His diety and His humanity covered in love and the promise of eternal life. The word tells us they didn't truly comprehe...

To say that my life has experienced some changes in the past few years would be an understatement and "in your face" obvious!  Cancer changes things.  The cancer world makes sure we know about mastectomies, chemo, support groups,hair loss, nausea etc. That same source says we can "overcome "; we can run races and wear t-shirts and model wigs. We can give rousing speeches, attend events and inspire everyone as we hand out pink ribbons. I read all that.  This was my fourth round with cancer and was by far the hardest battle. I remembered the feelings and phases of the other times. I remember.  I had and still have an absolute dream of a husband and a great support system, for which I am grateful. God still loves me. The tomb is still empty and God's benevolent grace pours over me  continuously. These things were and still are my daily, hourly, minute by minute strengths.  But here, at 10 months since finishing chemo, things are different. I saw a meme on Face...