Crosswalk.com--The Devotional

[Judy Harder]

A Letter to America
by John UpChurch, Senior Editor, BibleStudyTools.com

Even though you can't stand my exclusive cries for true freedom; even though you'd rather I show more toleration with my mouth shut; even though you hear my sermons as an assault upon the things you hold sacred; even though you'd haul me to court to make me fall in line; even though your movies typecast me as the blundering hypocritical monster; even though you'd dig in your nails to stop other people from hearing my prayers in the name of a man who died 2,000 years ago; even with all of that, I can't stop loving you.

Even though you've been charmed into believing that the sexual revolution was somehow liberating; even though you've given yourself at the altar of instant gratification; even though your body shows the scars of lovers torn from your arms; even though you feel the sting and hot anger over being cast aside and sing those radio songs with grit; even though you cry when no one can see how empty you feel in a roomful of friends; even though you've gone numb from rivers of meaningless promises; even with all that, I can't stop loving you.

Even though you parade through the streets with banners rejecting the ancient chains of a book you detest; even though you throw yourself into the endless revels of the night; even though you churn out words meant to destroy; even though you suck, inhale, inject, consume fire into your veins and visions in your head; even though you scream and rage against the light; even though you hate the very One who longs to make you see; even though you refuse peace inside; even though you discard Truth in your search for meaning; even with all that, I can't stop loving you.

Even though you defame the boundaries of what God joined together; even though you explore every dark corner of human connections; even though you raise equality as your golden calf; even though you brand those who disagree with spiteful epithets; even though you push the faithful from your midst; even from out there, I can't stop loving you.

Even though you call the life growing inside nothing more than tissue; even though you reject the divine spark created in your womb; even though you tear out limbs and snip spinal cords; even though you spit on those who fight to save your child; even though you suffer the labor pains of regret for the rest of your life; even then, I can't stop loving you.

Even though you hate me, I can't stop loving your sin-soiled skin. I can't stop loving your blinded eyes. I can't stop loving your idol-worshiping hands.

He died for you, and that makes you lovely.

For Further Reading:

Hosea

Romans 1-2

[Judy Harder]

How I Came to Enjoy Raisins
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Managing Editor

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. -- 1 John 2:10

Worst advertising slogan ever: "Two scoops of raisins in Kellogg's Raisin Bran." Blech. But apparently it worked on my mother, who bought the stuff like it was going out of style, while referring to delicious breakfast desserts such as Lucky Charms and Crunchberries as "cardboard." So unfair. So there I sat, choking down my raisin bran, or even oatmeal cookies with raisins in them, always suffering the same horrible fate: the bran or cookie part would be chewed and swallowed before the gooey chewy raisins, leaving me a mouthful of not-nearly-as-tasty goop.

I despised raisins. Thought about writing Kellogg's and telling them that backing off to one scoop would be plenty (nothing like getting to the bottom of the bowl and finding no flakes, only 10 little black things. Ew).

Flash-forward a quarter century. I'm having a similar issue to the raisin problem with people. Specifically, I'm loathe to admit, some Christian people. No, I haven't been eating them, but sometimes, I do find us hard to swallow. Part of the problem, ironically, is my job! Here at Crosswalk we often receive angry emails from fellow Christians who don't like the movie we reviewed, the way we said something, the ad we ran, or the author we allowed to appear on the site. Criticism's fine, even justified; I just have a hard time when it comes with a "You call yourself Christian?" or a "Have you even read the Bible?" punch to the gut. Sometimes it feels as if we Christians are concerned more with hammering home truth no matter how bluntly, or railing against _(fill in the blank)_ than genuinely loving people and meeting needs. Of course, the obvious irony here is that I then, looking in the mirror, find myself in short supply on genuine love myself. Which is not where Christ wants any of us to be. In fact, in Revelation 12:10, the title "Accuser of the Brethren" is given to our enemy Satan at his judgment. Do I really want to claim that monicker for myself?

So what does this have to do with raisins? Well, recently I discovered I kinda like the shriveled little things! I pack 'em for snacks, and eat them with the kids. I like the nutritional value, the fiber, the chewiness. What's changed? My tastes? No. The raisins? No. Not the packaging, not the flavor, not even my effort (I'm not choking them down because they're good for me, I genuinely like them). I realized that what has changed is my perspective. It didn't happen overnight, but about the time "Craisins" (dried Cranberries) came on the scene, I began enjoying all sorts of dried fruits. And here's what I noticed: I like cranberries, ergo I like dried cranberries. I like apricots, therefore I like dried apricots. I love grapes, so obviously I... hate raisins? That didn't seem to make logical sense. Maybe it was time to give raisins another try. Maybe I shouldn't even think of them as raisins. Maybe I should just think of them as "dried grapes!"

That may sound extremely silly... but it worked! I felt like I had come into the light. The texture was suddenly different. The way I savored them changed... everything. And a fun new world of food possibilities has re-opened to me, simply thanks to a different way of looking at something.

1 John chapter 2 talks about Light, who it comes from, what it helps us do, and what it shows about us when we walk in it. Light is a perspective-changer. It reveals the true nature of hidden or darkened things. It doesn't change them, but it can and does change how they appear, how they are perceived, and the details we notice. Our verse today says, "Whoever loves his brother lives in the light," and I think it also works backwards: "Whoever lives in the light loves his brother." It's not going to be easy for me to see fellow redeemed sinners - especially the angry ones - as Jesus does, but it's clearly possible, and commanded, and in the raisin example it wasn't about my efforts anyway - just turning on a light.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Who's got your goat? Have you ever tried seeing that individual, group, or faceless internet personage in a different light, from a different perspective, or even as God sees them? Have you considered how you might look different to others in a new light? Try filling these blanks in for yourself: "I like ____(x)_____, therefore I like even __________  _____(x)_____."

Further Reading

John 1: 4-11
Light and the Nature of God, by Regis Nicoll
How to Deal with Angry People, by Gary Chapman

[Judy Harder]

Silence is Golden
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. – Psalms 37:7

Recently, while vacationing in Ireland, I managed to visit an old monastery in a place called Glendalough. According to legend, the monastery was originally founded by Saint Kevin, a 6th century priest renowned for his wisdom and piety. Kevin's fame as Holy had begun to interfere with his Christian walk, so he withdrew to Glendalough in order to pray and meditate in peace. The small monastery was built later by disciples who followed him, hoping the secluded valley would allow them to pray to God without distraction. Tucked away in a small valley, surrounded by mountains and a tiny lake, the silence in Glendalough was almost palpable.

It didn't strike me until later how unfamiliar that silence was. After all, we live in a world that is filled with distractions: iPads, iPods, TV, Internet, movies... there are so many things demanding our time and attention, often at the expense of our time with Christ. Saint Kevin knew the value of silence, just like Christ,

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. – Luke 5:15-16

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." – Luke 22:39     

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. –Matthew 17:1

The world is filled with so much noise, so much distraction, how often do we really get the chance to listen to God? I don't know about you, but this is something I struggle with on a daily basis. Don't allow the toys of this world to distract you from your Heavenly Father. Instead, the next time you pray, turn off your cell phone and find a place far away from your computer. Pray to God in the silence and listen to his reply. 

Intersecting Faith and Life: When was the last time you found a quiet place to be with God? Take an hour to unplug from the world and spend time with Christ.

Further Reading

Matthew 4

[Judy Harder]

Here Be Leaders
by John UpChurch, Senior Editor, BibleStudyTools.com

You wouldn't know it from the outside, but this place is full of leaders. Sure, the boarded up windows and sloppy graffiti might be cause for concern. And the challenging glares of those crossing the street might make you want to drive faster. But make no mistake: church leaders, pastors, elders, and missionaries make their home here, amid the squalor, amid the sun-creased faces.

I drive this way every day, up a side road that leads out of the heart of Richmond, Virginia. With all the potholes and missing concrete, you can be sure it hasn't been paved in years. This path is no shortcut, but it takes almost twice as long to get onto the interstate through the rush-hour snarl. I'll take the potholes, thank you very much.

I don't know the history of this area, but my guess is that it's similar to most other places that get bypassed by the major highways. Interest moved with the roads and left a fading beauty in its wake—local restaurants filled in for chains, corner stores staggered in with bars over the windows, grays and browns spread from house to house. The only touch of modernity is a sleek courthouse and expanding police station on the corner.

In any case, this isn't the type of place where you want to have a flat tire. And that may be the very reason I had one... right there... right in the middle of the smoke-damaged houses and shattered windows. After pushing aside a broken bottle under my feet, I wrestled with the jack, which I'd never had to manhandle before. I confess that a bit of anxiety did reach my fingers and perhaps that's what made the process take so long.

No one stopped to help, and I was fine with that. I just wanted to be finished without having to explain how I'd opened a huge gash in my tire.

But I wasn't completely alone. A young man strutted up the sidewalk and stopped to watch for a moment. Then, he strutted closer.

I'd seen this movie; it never ended well. Instead of terror, though, a wave of calm smacked into me. Even when the guy said he'd just gotten out of jail and needed to call his ride, the expected panic didn't come. Peace... that dreadful peace wouldn't leave. So, I handed over my phone. And, yes, that's a dumb move, but listening to his call showed me more in a minute about the nature of this place than a hundred trips through this section of the city ever did.

The bravado masked uncertainty; the swagger plastered over need. And me giving him my phone to use was probably one of the few acts of charity this guy had ever experienced. "Good news" to him was me simply getting out of my car and seeing him as a person and not a potential road hazard on the way home.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Changing demographics—from quaint corner of the city to neglected side route—don't change the need. As long as people are there, the need for the gospel is there. I don't suggest you get a flat in a scary part of town, but I do think it's easy to focus only on the places where we're comfortable. We feel safer with what's familiar.

That's not what Jesus did, though. He went to the places least expected to find leaders. He dusted off the despised and neglected, and he gave them a new role as fishers of people. He made crooked IRS agents into evangelists. He made prostitutes into pillars of the church. He made swearing fishermen into saintly bishops.

Here be leaders... if we're only willing to look.

For Further Reading:

John 13

How Much Do You Have to Hate Someone to Not Proselytize?

[Judy Harder]

The Christian Faith is Not a Leap in the Dark
by Alex Crain, Editor, Christianity.com

"...we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 2:18 NASB

We can divide the universe into two categories of reality: the material and the non-material; or that which is seen and that which is not seen. In talking about unseen reality, I'm obviously not talking about things that must be relegated to fantasy or pure imagination. Rather, I'm talking about unseen (yet real) fixed concepts which our world operates by constantly. Take, for example...

Moral absolutes (e.g. Child abuse is wrong.)
The uniformity of nature (e.g. We live on the assumption that planets and stars move in a predictable fashion. On this assumption we plan trips not only to grandma's house, but to the moon and beyond.)
Universal Laws of Thought* (e.g. The principle of contradiction: a maxim stated by Aristotle as: "contradictory propositions are not true simultaneously." [cf. aristotle's metaphysics, 1011b13-14]) avicenna is said to have put it more colorfully, "Anyone who denies the law of non-contradiction should be beaten and burned until he admits that to be beaten is not the same as not to be beaten, and to be burned is not the same as not to be burned.
These are all things that are real, yet are unseen. Laws of thought and moral absolutes may not be able to be weighed, measured or stored in a cupboard, but we count on them and live by them every day just the same.

From what I've observed, both children and adults in Christian circles struggle at times with the things they are called to believe in. God seems like a distant idea. Doctrine seems far removed from day-to-day life. At times, you or someone you love may be tempted with the thought, "I wonder if God, salvation, heaven and hell is all just a made up fairy tale."

At that point you should take a step back and remember that everyone has a faith in their particular view of the world. Worldviews need to be evaluated by whether or not they account for the unseen realities mentioned above. Fortunately, biblical Christianity (not to be confused with tainted, politicized, or hypocritical forms of Christianity that bear no resemblance to the life and message of Jesus Christ) is a worldview that is well able to account for these unseen realities. The biblical God (note well, not just general theism) capably undergirds all unseen moral absolutes, natural constants and universals. Other competing worldviews are weighed in the balance and found wanting.

When we are called on to believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 2:5), we should recognize that this is another unseen reality. The truths of Galatians 2:20 belong in the category of the unseen as well...

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Gal. 2:20)

Let's not gloss over the fact that we are called to believe in unseen things. But at the same time let's not jump to the wrong conclusion that Christ asks us to take an idiotic leap in the dark. We all believe in well-founded unseen things everyday.

This week in chapter four of Francis Schaeffer's True Spirituality (I'm reading through the works of Schaeffer and posting about it regularly here at Crosswalk the Devotional), he calls our attention to this biblical view of truth by underscoring that there are "two streams, two strands of space-time reality—one in the seen, and one in the unseen..."

"[God] is not asking us merely to act on some psychological motivation, but on what really is... there is a Holy Spirit who has been given to us to make service possible.

"The Christian dead, including my loved ones, are already with Christ now, and Christ really lives in the Christian. Christ lives in me.

"Here is true Christian mysticism—not based on content-less experience, but on historic, space-time reality—on propositional truth. Christian mysticism is communion with Christ. It is Christ bringing forth fruit through me, the Christian, with no loss of personality.

"He is the Christ who has died, whose work is finished, who is raised, who is ascended, who is glorified. It is this Christ. Not simply an idea. It is the Christ who was seen after the resurrection... by Stephen, by Paul, by John."

Let's walk on today, confidently believing in these unseen realities—Christ was not raised mythically; Jesus, the apostles and the Christian martyrs were not liars; and "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).

Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you at a loss for words when asked why you believe in unseen things? Learn how to converse with others in terms of their own beliefs in unseen things (like moral absolutes, etc.), and help them discover the worldview that is charged with the majesty and grandeur of God.

For Further Study:
What is a Worldview? Dr. James Sire
Introduction to Worldviews (series of lectures) Dr. Greg Bahnsen

[Judy Harder]

Habits of Happy People
by Debbie Holloway, Crosswalk.com Family Editor

Today I stumbled across a list someone had pulled together and put online, entitled "22 Habits of Happy People." Inspired, I decided to write a few down on post-it notes and stick them up around my (already post-it laden) cubicle. Then I got to thinking about Scriptural wisdom to back up the catchy phrases. Here's what I found for the first few.

1.       Let go of grudges

This piece of wisdom is undoubtedly biblical. In fact, the ideas of forgiveness and leaving vengeance up to God can be found in many places throughout the Old and New testaments. Levitical Law states,

"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord" (Lev. 19:18).

Jesus also speaks of the necessity of forgiving each other and letting go of grudges – especially if we desire for God to dismiss our own sins.

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Matt. 11:35).

2.       Treat everyone with kindness

This is a beautiful, simple phrase that cuts to the heart of the golden rule. Jesus cautions,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matt. 7:12).

God, through commands to his early followers and through his revelation in Christ, clearly values acts and attitudes of kindness and compassion. Believers are consistently exhorted to give, respect, honor, and show humility toward those around us. Perhaps the best model for kindness would, of course, be God himself. Instead of allowing humanity to perish in sin, God pursued us throughout centuries, sent his Son to walk among us, and offers salvation and reconciliation to all freely.

3.       Regard Your Problems as Challenges

According to Paul,

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Cor. 10:13).

Truthfully, life is full of problems. And not all problems can be solved. But I like the idea of regarding problems as challenges, because it's a wonderful reminder that we have been given the power to do something. God didn't make us fearful or incapable. He gave us a spirit of power and of sound mind (1 Tim. 1:7). If we looked at our problems more like challenges, perhaps we would be more hopeful about the future.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you been holding grudges? Have you been less than kind to others? Have you let yourself become overwhelmed by your daily problems? Consider developing some "habits of happy people!"

Further Reading

A Fine Line: Happiness vs. Joy

Proverbs 16:20

Ecclesiastes 3

[Judy Harder]

Homesickness is Not Just for Kids
by Carrie Dedrick, Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com

I was the kid at church camp who was homesick.

But I don't think that word really does those emotions a justice. "Homesick" just kind of sounds like a kid who is feeling a little lonely in a new place.

In reality, my childhood homesickness was extreme. I cried hysterically and hyperventilated to the point that my counselors called the camp nurse. She almost called an ambulance because no one could calm me down. I wanted to go home with such desperation, I could not breathe or behave rationally.

I'm 24 now, and still struggle with it at times.

Immediately after college, I followed my now-husband to the city. I had grown up in the country and went to college in the country, though in a different state. The culture shock of city living sparked those familiar feelings of homesickness almost immediately.

I realized that my parents were three hours away and I knew almost no one. I hated the city; It was a scary place for me full of foreign sights, sounds, and people.

That was two years ago.

Since the big move to the city, I have learned to like it. Where I live has so much to offer with events and festivals; rarely do my husband and I have a weekend with nothing planned and I like it that way. I have a job that I love coming to everyday and a wonderful church family, but it seems that I will never stop missing my family.

Of course, I have my husband with me. He has been at my side through many tears and tantrums as I wrestle with my feelings of loneliness and isolation. He has calmed me with comforting words, even when I would prefer not to listen.

In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus tells the Pharisees, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What God has joined together, let not man separate."

Man (or woman) shall leave his father and mother.

That's what we did. And it's hard.

Leaving my family and moving to an unfamiliar place has been unspeakably difficult for me. But I believe that I am here in this city for a reason. So far, I have become active in my church and accepted a job where I can do what I love (write) and share the love of Jesus at the same time. And this is only the beginning. There are endless ways to minister in a city; I just need to listen to God's call to find out how he wants my talents to be used.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

God has given us all many gifts. It is our responsibility to use our talents to glorify him.

If you are in a new place in your life, whether literally or metaphorically, I would encourage you to sit down and consider what your talents are and how you can use them to God's glory. Find a cause that you believe in and answer God's call for action.

I've found that my homesickness symptoms are less severe when I am immersed in something. As a former summer camp counselor (at the same camp I went to as a kid), I know that when a homesick child is in your care, you have to keep that child busy. If the kid gets lost in an arts and crafts project or pool time, the feelings of sadness seem miles away. I apply the same concept to myself now, even though I am grown up.

When I am involved in a writing piece like this or an event with my church, I don't feel so lonely. I feel blessed that God would allow me to take part in something that glorifies his name and spreads the good news.

Remember that old saying about idle hands being the devil's workshop? Well, it's kind of true. During a six-month period of unemployment, I had a lot of time. And while I didn't spend that time gallavanting in sin or gossip like the idle "busybodies" do in 1 Timothy 5:13, I did allow those negative feelings and loneliness to take over. I'm certain that was Satan's work, for the Lord loves me and wants me to be happy.

But I've found that I am at peace with my new city when I am not idle, but doing something to glorify my God.

God wants you to be happy too.

It may be a constant battle, but I the moments that I struggle with homesickness seem to be hitting less often and with more time between.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Perhaps you too have moved away from family or a hometown. Or maybe you simply feel lonely. I would recommend that you remember one thing when that depressing feel of isolation arises: God is with you always. You are never truly alone.

Further reading:

Deuteronomy 31:6

[Judy Harder]

It's Not About Who's Right Or Who's Wrong
by Stephen Sanders, Audio/Video Editor for Salem Web Network

It's not about who's right or who's wrong. It is about glorifying God no matter who's doing what.

In my role here at Salem Web Network, I have the privilege of being able to see the best (and worse) the Body of Christ has to offer. Unfortunately, it is probably more bad than good in a lot of cases. But I guess it makes sense when you think about what Jesus said: Matthew 7:12

This variety in the Body of Christ has been an ongoing struggle for me since the work environment I'd been in for the 5 years prior was very sheltered. I was working at a church, so I only saw that perspective on the Christian walk. But now I'm exposed to what seems to be millions of different outlooks on what it means to be a Christian.

A recent google search revealed to me that there are approximately 38,000 denominations of the Christian faith. I suppose you could probably lump a lot of those together into a few hundred general categories if you wanted to, or even protestant/catholic if you really, really wanted to. But the point is...even if it was 380 instead of 38,000...that is A LOT. But back to the perspectives...

With these 10's of thousands of denominations come even more views on what is right and what is wrong. What is "Christian" behavior and what isn't and so forth and so on. It is (and has been for me) a very easy thing to get caught up in if one isn't careful. In a recent devotional I wrote titled, "don't let foolishness get the best of you" I shared how easy it has become for Christians to share their voice more boldly online. It's been over 2 months since I published that article and I'm still processing this whole ordeal; trying to find my place in all of this chaos.

Yesterday I think I finally came to a conclusion: No one is totally right. (Brilliant, I know) No matter how confident we may sound when we claim that, "__________ is what the Bible says about _________," none of us are right. How could we be? We still live in a sin-cursed world, we all still make mistakes, all still fall short of perfection that only God possesses.

Some of us sound really smart with our proclamations and it can be very easy for someone like myself to become mesmerized with a specific stance on certain matters. But what happens is that these perspectives, once taken to a certain level, become idols of our worship. And that goes for disagreeing with the perspectives just as much as showing allegiance. Let me give you an example.

Pastor _______ writes a book on ______ perspective on ________. Some agree with his refreshing insight while others accuse him of blasphemy. 1000's of people chime in and before you know it, it has become a bigger topic amongst Christian circles than the Gospel itself. Isn't that more evil than good? Isn't that behavior exalting the flesh and not the Spirit?

It becomes even more disturbing when it becomes more personal.

A first time visitor walks into a church sanctuary or youth group that is more about the issues than it is the Gospel message. They develop a perspective of what Jesus is like from these encounters. After all, that's why people come to church. To hear about Jesus, right? Will they leave confused not knowing what they've just witnessed? Perhaps worse, will they become fascinated and faithfully follow a "man of god" who isn't Gospel-centered in his preaching.

Galatians 5:16-26 says, "...walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Now the works of the flesh are evident: ...enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger,rivalries, dissensions, divisions...and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love...peace, patience, kindness...gentleness, self-control. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

So, realizing the harm I've witnessed first hand on such matters, I've come to the conclusion that humility is key. As a Christian, I must never make certain things "sins" that the Bible doesn't claim to be sin. I must never make certain spiritual gifts bigger than they actually are. I must never become so involved in perspectives that I lose sight of how the Bible tells me to conduct myself. I must never make definitive statements about anything other than Jesus being God and the only way to eternal life. Because when I do that, it becomes more about me and less about Him.

Intersecting Faith and Life: I've been forcing myself to not become a part of such matters, not because I'm so fantastic, but because I think about how this causes others to perceive our faith. What must it look like to people who don't believe in Jesus when we act like this? Is this something you'd want to be a part of? Analyze your walk with me today and ask God if there are stances you are taking that overshadow Him.

[Judy Harder]

Living in a Dream World
by Stephen Sanders, Audio/Video Editor for Salem Web Network

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:1

A life with no challenges would be awesome, wouldn't it? Always making the right decision, never running out of money, your kids always doing what they are supposed to do, never biting off more than you can chew... circumstances just magically falling into place so that we can effortlessly waltz through life in a state of constant enjoyment. Man, that sure would be nice...

Let's just close our eyes for a few seconds and imagine what that would be like...

I'm 32, and I have 3 daughters. One of them just turned 13. The other is 7. The youngest is 2. They are all very, very different. I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelming this can be sometimes.

The baby is absolutely the cutest little thing ever. However, she has turned out to be the "stubborn child." She writes on everything no matter how many times we tell her to stop. She refuses to use the potty. She will do a halfway-pee in her diaper, hold it and wait for you to change it, then pee in the fresh one immediately. It's not like we don't discipline her because we do!

But she's cute, and she's little and can only really get into so much trouble, so she doesn't stress me out too much...

The middle child is fairly drama free these days. She recently got 1st and 2nd semester honor roll and citizenship awards at school with pretty much zero supervision. But a couple years ago she was the bane of her K4 teacher's existence. I got called to the office, seriously, almost every single day that school year for her bad behavior. The principal felt like our daughter might have psychological problems. The teacher broke down in tears in the middle of multiple conversations. We had no answers.

The very next year my daughter was the teacher's pet. But, at the time, we blamed ourselves for these issues because we were her parents. Now we don't feel like such failures.

My oldest is actually my stepdaughter, and this relationship comes with obvious trials. She's also a very attractive 13-year old; this poses even more issues. And if that wasn't enough already, there are the unexpected things that happen. They are like dreams you hoped would never happen but did. Then they rear their ugly heads and taunt you like a nightmare you swear you've had before...

...they cause you to wake earlier than you want to type a devotional at 4am...

I remember living in a dream world when I was her age. I knew everything. Everyone else was wrong and stupid. I know that will change. What I don't know is what scares me. Will she get involved in the wrong crowd at school? Will she make one bad decision and end up pregnant before she graduates? Will she grow up and want to live a life that is pleasing to God or pleasing to her? These are new questions that have started popping into my head recently.

I try so hard. I desire more than anything for her to grow up and have a perfect life; a life where she always makes the right decisions. A life where she never runs out of money. A life where... yeah...

I begin to realize that my expectations for her life are unrealistic. She is going to make bad decisions. I just need to be here to listen, to guide and to comfort her. Let her fail. In those things, listen to her worries and hurts and remind her why we need Jesus in the first place.

He isn't our God for our benefit... even though our relationship with Him does benefit us. He isn't our God because He will make us rich and healthy and free from the pain and difficulties of this world we live in. But He is here with us through these trials.

Intersecting Faith and Life: I recently started studying the Book of Psalms; a part of the Bible I've always neglected to see the true value in. I suppose God must have inspired them for times when His people were having times like I'm having right now. It's only by God's grace that I am as content as I am these days. I honestly don't stress too much about the things that are going on in my life. Even when I do begin to stress, God brings others to my attention, like homeless people, and I realize things could be so much worse. Or maybe the material things I deem so important actually cause me more stress... who knows.

All I know is that God continues to teach me how to be more like Him. My kids will be OK. My family will grow and become everything they are supposed to be. I just have to have faith in God and know that He has a plan that is so much greater than I could ever predict -- that this crazy world I live in isn't going to change. I will probably have a few more sleepless nights because of it; some nightmares may actually come true, but He is with me to provide peace and restoration and comfort.

For Further Study

Psalms 1:1

"In the House of God, Forever" by Jon Foreman

[Judy Harder]

The How of the Christian Life
Alex Crain, Editor, Christianity.com

"...be it unto me according to Your word."
Luke 1:38

"How It's Made," the Science Channel's hit show, regularly makes the most of people's curiosity about how household items like gummie candy, aluminum cans, and flavored bacon actually go from raw materials to finished product. It's easy to become mesmerized when cameras are leading you behind the scenes into the inner workings of factories making a few of your favorite things. By the end of each segment, the mists of your own vague ideas about process and production have been utterly dispersed.

This week's reading in chapter four of Francis Schaeffer's True Spirituality is a bit like "How It's Made" in that he delves into the secret of how the Christian life is effectively lived. While many of us know this secret in theory, the daily mist of our own residual fallen nature makes it necessary to review the blazing truth so that we might see ourselves (and God) accurately and live out our faith practically.

Moving forward from last week's teaching in chapter four about the normality of believing in unseen things, Schaeffer issues the biblical call this week to engage in what he terms "active passivity" when living the life of faith.

Schaeffer points out that belief in the Holy Spirit is one thing. Now what do we do with that belief? 2 Corinthians 2:14 says that "the communion of the Holy Spirit" is to be with all true believers. We are to rely fully and constantly on Christ's promise to send us the Holy Spirit. He is the agent of the power and Person of the glorified Christ.

"There is not enough strength in ourselves, but placed before us is the power and work of the glorified Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Surely this is exactly what Christ meant when he said, 'I will not leave you as orphans.'"
(John 14:18)

"As we look at the book of Acts, we find in the early church not a group of strong men laboring together, but the work of the Holy Spirit bringing to them the power of the crucified and glorified Christ. It must be so for us also."

"As with Mary in the virgin birth when she gave herself with her body to God in response to His promise, so we are in the same situation in [a certain sense] that we have these great and thrilling promises we have been considering, and we are neither to think of ourselves as totally passive, as though we had no part in this; nor are we to think we can do it ourselves."

"If we are to bring forth this fruit through us by the agency of the Holy Spirit, there must be a constant act of faith, of thinking: 'Upon the basis of Your promises I am looking for You to fulfill them... bring forth Your fruit through me into this poor world.'"

"We do not have to beat ourselves or be dejected, [but simply say]"Be it unto me according to Thy Word." This is what I mean by active passivity. This is the how, and there is no other."

Finally, as if to say "this is really how it's done!" Schaeffer reemphasizes that this is not just theoretical access to the power of the crucified, risen, glorified Christ. This is access that we have in reality—in the here and now.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you depending on your own energy, cleverness, persistence, charisma and talents to present the Christian life as attractive to your lost friends and family members? By faith (Hebrews 11:6), gaze upon Christ—His atonement, perfections and promises. Respond with active passivity: "Be it unto me according to Thy Word." 

For Further Study:
Romans 6:1
The Wind of the Holy Ghost Blowing upon the Dry Bones in the Valley of Vision, by Ebenezer Erskine
John Owen on the Spirit in the Life of Christ, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson