Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Worthy of Praise

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

What could be thought of as "worthy of praise?"  The Greek word “epainos” means this - something which deserves praise; a proper-fitting praise reflecting the worth of a thing; a commendation or recognition of the inherent, God-given value of a thing. In the Biblical context, praise is especially appropriate for anything which is a reflection of God’s will.

This is not praise according to world values, but rather what God values.  In a world where idol-worship is rampant, we give praise to many lesser things – dancing, singing, athletics, status, power.  And while God gives those talents and positions, what does it mean to know if something is truly praise-worthy?

What action/activity have you seen that God would value?

Where can we go to root out those greater things 

of value to God?

When might the gifts of God be used so God is valued?

This makes me think of one of the meanings of praise/worship in the Biblical context – “give credit where credit is due.”  The true nature of praise-worthiness is that we look for God-activity in its most obvious places and learn to look deep in places less obvious, or like the Bible says, in places where human wisdom would not account for it.

I have seen praiseworthy things –love, simplicity, honesty, majestic beauty - in the faces of children and homeless people, in the plots of good movies, in the rich, deep music of the symphony, in laughter and fellowship.  I have been overwhelmed by His Glory in the ocean and on the mountain. I have developed an eye for seeing God’s glory and presence in the smallest and biggest of places. 

Where have you seen something 

for which you could give credit to God?

Break out in praise so others can see it, too!

Isaiah 59:14-15

When justice calls, we turn it away.

Righteousness knows to keep its distance,

for truth stumbles in the public square

and honesty is not allowed to enter.

There is no truth-telling anymore,

and anyone who tries to do right

finds he is the next target.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Excellence (virtuousness)

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, 

and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

In the King James and New King James versions, that practically extinct word virtuous is used instead of "excellent."  Virtue is probably a more true word to the Greek because of its deep indication of instrinsic morality.  I am desperate to see a virtuous person in the public arena today.

Why do we hardly even think of virtue today?

What happens if the meaning is even lost to us?

Virtue in Jesus’ day pointed to moral excellence – as in modesty, honesty, or purity – but it was more than just a line of thinking.  It was a totality, a consistency of the entire life in morality – thought, feeling and action.  I know we need those models today.  We need those people who live their lives committed to an internal truth, a moral compass!  If we cannot see them in the public square, I bet you have a few who lived a virtuous life in your own history.  Our children are in desperate need of them.  The rest of us, too!

Where can we see virtuous people today?

Would we know virtue if we saw it?

I think we would be tempted to call such a person rigid or intolerant and unchanging, as if it is negative.  The truth is that virtue makes its greatest demands on the individual who wants to live virtuously.  Its purposes are only fueled by a deep love of the things of God and not any grandstanding or self-acclamation.  Rather, its gains stand in stark contrast to the world because it is always bathed in humility, that grandest of virtues.

#3

Bar room brawls

do not make men.

Candlelight charisma

does not make love.

Anyone can fight

or

strike a match.

Real love is demonstrated

in broad daylight.

Real men are molded

by the hand of God.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - A Good Report

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8  

Different versions account for this to be anything of good report or commendable, thus it is admirable. The word here is also another of Paul’s unique words that he compounded for emphasis – euphemos.  (Ironically it is pronounced “you famous,” with a slight accent on the last syllable.)

“Eu” – to fare well or prosper; to act well.  This word is used in all the “well done” verses in the New Testament.

“Phemos” – fame, report, as in notoriety:  “is of good repute.”  

Used this way, this compound word is an expression of a forthcoming good omen – being expectantly positive.  The value of such good news was based on whether it was well-received, well-served or well done.  The expectations of Jesus’ miracles made for “good report.”  It drew people to him because they needed this good news in their lives. They needed hope.  They needed possibilities.

Jesus’ news, His Good News, is still noteworthy today.  It offers hope where it is needed most.  It offers possibilities that contradict the offerings of the world.  This kind of “report” or news is the opposite of most of the news of our day.

We expect bad news whenever we turn on the television.  Constant bad news creates a culture of catastrophe which, because of hopelessness and diminishing possibilities, immobilizes us.  A culture of bad news keeps us from activity and moving forward.  It sidelines us instead of leading us onto the playing field. 

Where do you find admirable things to contemplate?

Should we have more praises than prayer requests?

Do we prefer bad news?

We are to bring to reckoning, take an account of admirable things.  It will take some work to do so.  We may have to do our own investigative reporting on places of hope.  We may need to bring to light those events in our area and in our lives that demonstrate where good is extolled, where possibilities exist and where opportunities are grown.  

Display this good news!

[Ref:  Matt 9:26, Luke 4:14]

You Belong Here!

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Lovely

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, 
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

            

Lovely.  "Prosphiles” is the Greek word used here and used only this one time in the New Testament.  It is one of those made-up words Paul likes to use for emphasis to call attention to a greater meaning (like gi-normous).  It is a compound word.

            “pros”- to the advantage of, to be nearby, towards

            “phileo” – community love, affection, fondness, kiss

What is this “lovely” then?

          

Think about the things which draw you toward affection for each other.  Think about things which put you near the expression of fondness for the community of Christ, which could include a physical display of affection.  In Paul's middle Eastern culture, it could include radical expression like a kiss on the cheek.  In our culture, it might include a hug or a warm handshake. This is particularly important because in western culture, people can go weeks without a touch that was a true expression of friendship. Let companionship and camaraderie be the goal. Especially in light of Jesus' call to unity (John 17), this makes complete sense.

What display of affection and inclusion 

would be appropriate in your cultural setting?

What can you do to move love towards

 Christ’s community?

That would be lovely.

Oahu 2016

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Purity

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,

 and right, and pure, 

and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

How many of you want to be more Christlike?

How many of you want to house 

the fullness of the Holy Spirit?

Paul gives us the door which will take us into the presence of God:  purity.  Purity carries some other definitions, but at the heart of its biblical meaning is this:  a complete devotion to God.  It involves an undivided heart; no conflict of loyalties, no mixed motives.  It is a condition of the heart.

            

In the New Testament, the sanctity of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit weighs in on the definition.  It is a spirit of desire of unification and obedience which brings every thought, feeling and action into the subjection of Jesus Christ.

One of the problems of modern, western thinking is the concept of dualism – where we see ourselves with separated dimensions (heart, soul, mind, body….social, work, etc).  These concepts were not as delineated in New Testament thinking.  That is why purity is a complete devotion – no words without action, no thought without passion.

What are examples of purity you can think of?

In  1 Timothy 1:3-6  Paul means to have his young mentee to stay true and focused on correct doctrine and not get “off track” of the goal – seeking Jesus.  Notice purity’s “context:”  vs. 5 - All Christians should be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, clear conscious and sincere faith.”  Paul did not like endless arguments;  he wanted people focused through love toward a single-minded lifestyle.

What are examples of this picture of purity?

Purity also has the obvious notion of protecting oneself from sin.  1 Timothy 5:22b – Do not participate in the sin of others.  Keep yourself pure.  2 Timothy 2:22 – Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust.  Follow anything that makes you want to do right.  Pursue faith love and peace.  Enjoy the companionship of those who call upon the Lord with pure hearts.  

 It becomes obvious that sin/faithlessness defiles the heart. 

What might it mean to keep one’s heart motivations

consistent/undivided/free of conflicting motives?

The disciple, John, then gives us the ultimate purity picture:  1 John 3:1-3 

 All who believe the following will keep themselves pure just as Christ is pure…  we are named as God’s children.  We will be like Christ when we returns… We will see Christ as he really is.

This makes purity not the goal, but the vehicle which will take us into the presence of God.  Another analogy might help:  you want to go to your favorite destination.  You pay your money.  You arrange everything.  You know to get on the plane – which one and when it leaves.  You carefully plan your day so you can be sure to get on that plane.  You don’t want to miss it!!

 Purity is my "ticket," my "vehicle" to reach my goal

of a life with God.

Carefully plan so as to not miss this vehicle to greater glory.  

#23

What difference does it make

a man walking on water?

        or making wine?

        or feeding 5000?

Any more the difference it makes

a woman clinging to a child

        or loving an unloveable man

        or folding thousands of pieces of laundry?

Any more the difference it makes

of any person walking in integrity

        standing against oppression

        or acting in mercy and kindness.

If you are willing to observe closely,

the meaning of each may impact

the definition of who you are

        and what you will be.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Righteous

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable,

right and pure, lovely, admirable.

If something is excellent or praiseworthy,

think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Think about right things.  Literally, think about righteous things; those things that are upright and virtuous, innocent and faultless.  Good luck with that!  Except for Jesus, who is a worthy person to think about?  Do I have any chance of seeing righteousness on this earth before me?  Who would be someone whose way of thinking, feeling and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God?

Luckily, the Bible gives some examples of people who were deemed righteous:  Joseph, Jesus' earthly Dad; John the Baptist; Elizabeth and Zachariah; Simeon; Joseph of Aramethia; Corneluis (that pagan); Abel; Lot.  And, of course, Jesus.  All of these were called righteous in their day.  If that could be true 2000 years ago, I would assume I could find a few righteous people worthy of my attention today.

How would I know them?  Again, the Bible saves the day and gives the evidence of righteous people.  As I read this list, I discover that I have known these people.

• People whose lives stand out in God's kingdom. (Not exemplary in the world, but exemplary among the people of God.)
• Those who obey the law and will of God.
• Employers who are just and fair to their employees.
• People whose prayers have great impact.
• When I welcome them and join in their activity, I can share their blessings and rewards.

Now I can name these people.  My Grandmother, who just about held all those results.  A boss I had that treated us fairly and justly.  My prayer warriors who have lifted me out of the muck and the mire.  Those with whom I have shared ministry projects and reaped the blessing of fulfillment and purpose.  My husband who does not deviate from doing the right thing, ever.

I actually like to also note those in history who lived exemplary lives:  missionaries, moms and dads, preachers.  They have noteworthy stories which speak about their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Maybe I can grow to be like them, too.

[Matthew 13:43; Romans 2:13; Colossians 4:1; James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12; Matthew 10:41]

#19

To Know

To see You as You really are,

to bear the burden heavy.

To display it so that You are seen

and that I can be made ready.

To not deny the Truth

nor quench the Spirit’s flow.

To say I walked the path You set

along the honest row.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Honorable

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, 
right and pure, and lovely and admirable.

If something is excellent or  praiseworthy, 
think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

I have learned that our current definitions of words originating in biblical-context are often akilter from what was meant by the original language. Especially, with honor, because we have disposed "honor" on less-than-noble things. We have given it our culture's meaning.  In the biblical context, honor was bestowed upon that which was noble, honest or reverent, whether of character of the person or deed.  The honorable person was held in high regard and had a good reputation, one worthy of noting publicly.  Truly,  "honorable mention" was the ultimate award.

There are three areas where we can see examples in the Bible for assessing true honor.

Look at Jesus and those who bear the name Christian 
with honor, giving Christ his fair due.

James 2:7 "...Jesus Christ, whose name you bear, is a noble name."

In this discussion, James wants his hearers to understand that, though they have lost standing in their culture for identifying with Jesus, that identity with him is actually an honor.  It was important in a shame and honor culture to know where personal identification came from and to cling to it, for the Greek culture could use shame quite effectively to keep people in line.

How are we kept "in line" with the wider culture, causing us to forget what a right definition for what is honorable?  How are those who bear that honorable name of Jesus Christ minimized and marginalized, and even shamed?

Look at the lives of faithful people.

In Luke 8, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. He explains that "good soil" represents honest, good-hearted people (character) who hear God's message and cling to it and continually produce a harvest of good deeds (resulting behaviors.)  Honorable is used within the context of this visible demonstration and growth of the goodness of what God plants in someone.  Honor is tied to public evidence; a display of the good works of God.

How do you know when you are in the company of honorable people?  Not by what they tell you, but by what you see them consistently do.  Study them - put them on the screen and see how they lived their lives. 

Seek God and His definition for that which is honorable.

God honors not what the world expects and counts as wise, but he goes to those unfound places and to the seemingly "lowly" people to reveal honor. (1Corinthians 1:26-30)  Honor looses its potency in the glare of "famosity," as my niece once called it.  Where honor is on display, it seems to present itself best out of the least and lowly, out of the meek and mild.  Its integrity is seen best in a sea of discredit.  Its consistency is demonstrated best in the midst of hardship and loss.  Its humble reverence stands in start contrast to self-aggrandizement.

You can be sure you will find honor only in the place it is most needed - when there is a culture of dishonor, or when the pressure of culture rises to mold us in a different direction, by a different definition.  Honor creates a legacy for a person that lasts into the future and not for the flash of the moment.  I am sure you can name the person in your life whose memory immediately comes when "honorable" is mentioned.

Existed

#20

You showed me more

than I knew existed.

You showed me less

so I wouldn’t get twisted.

I wanted heaven, but chose hell.

It soured my vision until I could tell

no longer the Truth from everyday fact.

And I value the day and the hour You knew

that I would lay aside all but You.

And it took a simple and deliberate act

for me to see heaven—not in place or pleasure—

but rather in being simply, surely, Your treasure.

Small Bites: Philippians 4:8 - Truth

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable.  

Think about things which are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

In an age of relativism, authors often question truth.  What truth?  Whose truth?  Changing truth?  How many facts did we once hold dear that fade away?  Paul directs us to give our attention to ultimate Truth.  The lesson here is simple:  It is God's Truth based on reality - that which he reveals is True about Himself.  Revelation.  Demonstrated. All other truth passes or dims in light of His Truth.

What is the Truth about God?

The New Testament reveals the ways and results of this God-Truth:

• When people discover it, they can't wait to tell it.
• The purpose of telling it is to expand belief in God himself.
• That God's Truth can be verified, including the verification of His faithfulness toward those who believe.
• Truth is a light that will shine into a dark world. (and not add to the darkness).

So, I stay my thoughts on those people and things 

which present God in His truest light, 

that which reveals the most about Him.

Who has shown me God, for real?  Who has demonstrated the Truth of His qualities and presence in the world and in me?  I can name and describe what they have done to show me God, for real.  The people who have loved me long. The people who point out the good possibilities in me, often which I cannot see myself.  The people who have been patient.  Those who have held me accountable. Those who desire God's best for me.  And those who demonstrate the character of God for a hurting world.  Those who have drawn me closer to the Word of God for the Truth for my life. 

What Truth about God is in you?

Who will you tell?

The world's truths will morph, will come and go.  God's Truth about His nature and His complicity in expanding that Truth into the world stays the same throughout the ages.  It is the only hope we have.  The only thing from which we can have peace (Philippians 4:9) in a tumultuous world.

[References:  John 3:33; John 5:31-38; John 19:35; Romans 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 1 John 2:8]

Vacation Wednesday

Hump day at the beach is different than hump day during a work week. At the beach, Wednesday is that day we hold onto; the day we use to replay the week so far, so as to savor it. Never would you do that at work. You would be pushing ahead to savor the coming weekend. Oh, no! On vacation, we push back from the weekend coming, lingering over the day, hoping Thursday will be L O N G though never boring. On vacation, we try to make Friday celebratory, but grieving begins Friday night as parting (not partying) plans are finalized. It's a good vacation when you are not quite ready to leave, but energized enough to do so!! Notes from Sandbridge Beach, VA 2012

Spiritual Markers

There are some great benefits of getting older, one of which is that a person can look back on life with perspective. I have recently began a project of noting the spiritual markers in my life. When Jacob, Abram and several other Old Testament people had a strong encounter with God, they did something to "mark" the event. Often they put together piles of stones. God told the Israelites to make Passover a spiritual marker for the purpose of remembrance.

I have quite a few events that I will never forget because of God's great entrance into a moment or period in my life. I am getting quite a list and it is turning into quite a writing project. God has on occasion entered my consciousness with his voice (in my head), other people, nature, and even through illness. (Jacob's wrestling with God left him with a limp. Me, too.)

I notice that my first few markers are years apart, but as I have tuned my spiritual ear to the voice/movement of God, they happen with more frequency.

I am ultimately looking at how each marker is actually a sign post for where I am to go and what I am to do next. I can see direction in my life in a new sense.

How about you? Where are you going?

I & II

I forget the sea, but it doesn't forget me
I hear its continuous call
while standing by the shore --
its pulsating pull and melodious music
draw me from a distance.
Yet if I stray too far, I forget
that it holds the beginnings and continuings of life.
The sea sends the wind as a reminder --
it carries the salt and sand
as a lure to come again,
home to the sea.
I return, wondering why I stayed so long
away
wondering how soon I'll actually build my home
by the sea.

I forget God, but He doesn't forget me.
I hear His continuous call
when standing by His side --
His pulsating pull and melodious music
draw me from a distance.
Yet if I stray too far, I forget
that He holds the beginnings and continuings of life.
God sends His Spirit as a reminder --
She carries the flavor and grit
as a lure to come again,
home to God.
I return, wondering why I stay so long
away
wondering how soon I'll actually build my home
with God.

This Disciple's Prayer

Daddy, come from heaven.
May your holiness be present in this day:
present
faithful
good
in all areas of my life.

Let your kingdom come...
to vanquish my sin
and sate my need for sustenance.

Lead me to you and away from all that would hinder
your presence
your love
your work in my life.

Your rule extends over all --
as can be seen by your power,
enslaved in creation
and used for your glory.

May I be enslaved by you:
let your will and work manifest in me. (Phil 2:13)

Every day into Eternity.
Amen.

Growing Old

As I watch people deal with elderly parents, I began to think about change. I realize I am not very changeable. It's a wonder God could work with me at all. I might have once prided myself on being innovative or adventurous, but truly I only like planned spontaneity. These changes we go through are uncomfortable--especially the role where a person becomes the the caretaker to parents. How does that get turned around so quickly?

It makes me think of when my son, Isaac, was a pre-schooler and he made the statement: "I am going to grow up and get taller and taller. And you will get smaller and smaller." In allegorical terms, maybe that is the way of life. Our children will get more and more capable while our influence and abilities get less and less. Somehow that doesn't seem right.

In heaven, our true selves will be used to their fullest--undiminished.

My prayer for all caretakers: I pray your are well tonight and allowing others to serve you, including our Lord who will strengthen and preserve--completing the work he began in you.

What it takes to pray

I had asked God at the beginning of this year to make me better at prayer. He proceeded to make that possible for me. Moving to Houston has afforded me change, challenges and time to increase my prayer time. Then, God placed many needs in front of me for which to pray. The challenges have kept me on my heels, which keep me dependent upon God and constantly in prayer. How grateful I am for this time!

How many of have poetry and stories
inside of us
that we never discover?
The ancients found God’s word, music and reflections
inside of them.

For all we have materially,
we have nothing spiritually.
For all we have spiritually
is drowned by what we have materially.

To take time to discover what is
inside of us
is to take time to discover what is lacking
inside of us.

Is it too scary?
Or are we addicted to the external
in such a way that our bodies and minds
can no longer produce the internal?

Sons & Daughters

I have lately been overwhelmed at my role as mother.

I became a grandmother recently and suddenly my mothering role changes. I am now called to mother my daughter differently and I have an additional son in my son-in-law. While this is all good, it changes me. It's weird how I can't stop calling my grandson "our baby." My husband and I call him "our baby." If there is a crisis in his young life, I call my daughter and ask about "our baby." Now I know he is not the baby of my womb, yet I have encompassed him as if he is. I don't consider myself all that co-dependent, yet I can't seem to force this language out of my lexicon.

This last week, my adult son entered drug-treatment at a Rescue Mission and I find myself in another change in my role as mother. While I have known about his use/problem with alcohol and drugs for some time, I find myself in an unusual role. I am not even sure why it feels so strange and so compelling. When he was a teenager, I facilitated an early intervention for him. Since then I have practiced good "tough love" practices, but now that he is voluntarily getting treatment for the first time in ten years, I have feelings of protection like I have never felt before. If only I could ensure his success.

When I have a crisis or event of parenting, I think of our heavenly Father and how he must feel about us. I wonder if he wants to guarantee our successes and must live with our falling short. I wonder if he thinks of any of us as "his baby" as he entrusts our presentation on earth to lesser beings. He has the benefit of foreknowledge: maybe that helps.

Laughter I

I deal with such serious issues in my work and I take ministry very seriously, but I hope I am not somber. A serious study of Jesus' life on earth reveals a sense of humor, wit and sarcasm and I don't want to forget to laugh. In light of that, here is an anecdote from my history of teaching:

Having taught parenting classes for fifteen years, I have come to realize that parents, as well as kids, “say the darndest things.” I was teaching a class on prioritizing parental authority. In other words, we discussed how not to waste too much energy on little picky things and be ready to confront and address serious and dangerous misbehavior.

 Often, parents waste energy on the little things.

As we discussed learning to redirect or ignore certain kinds of behavior, I explained that most of the “little picky things,” of which we had made a list, if ignored, would go away as part of the developmental process.

One exasperated father asked, “Well, when is my son going to stop picking his nose and eating it?” Before I could formulate an educated response, another father chimed up, “When he’s full.”

2006 Looking Ahead and Looking Behind

Usually when a new year begins, there is much reflection and accompanying goal-setting for improvement in living the details and demands of life. I think the beginning of this year calls for thanksgiving. I know the official Thanksgiving is placed on the calendar as a feast of harvest, yet the beginning of the new year compels me to reflect with a heart of gratitude, also. I consider that it is just a life, yet a life that is quickened and caressed by the Holy Spirit. It is incredible and scary at the same time. What more yet can God do with ordinary days? I look forward to the telling!!

We were ordinary.
We trod through the days like any
We wore clothes, slept some and ate some.
We loved, wondered like any.

Yet, we were extraordinary.
Responding to God’s great invite
made days seem celebrant
and actions deliberate,
though it only be clothes, sleep and food.

We were loved in such a way
that often we wondered at ourselves.
What Vision fired life deep in an ordinary existence!!

Winter in Ohio

As we prepare to leave the warmth of the San Joaquin Valley for our Ohio vacation, I am trying to prepare myself for the cold and chill. I remember so well last year's frigid weather and how we were sustained through it. Oh, the beauty and the beastly nature of snow!!

The fury of a snow storm--
not a gentle, falling snow,
but a wind-driven, unrelenting
deposit of crystal.
Not the kind of snow where
you can catch gently falling flakes on your tongue,
but the kind you would never put your face towards.
How can such a delicate thing as a snowflake,
which can melt with my own breath,
Sting like pointy darts
when powered by the wind?

Such are the gifts God gives.
Any one of them can come in several forms,
which delight or devastate
depending on the power by which He delivers them.

Living Waters

My life in Christ used to be like a ride down the river, with me in a canoe paddling furiously. I was navigating well, rowing hard and really making progress. I could go fast! And people admired my rowing ability!

Some were not as adept or wise as I. Some tried to row against the current, which seemed foolhardy and a waste of effort to me. I have even seen some, when their canoes had capsized, try to use their canoes as a barrier against the rushing waters. The chase of a capsized boat often absorbed people’s attention, causing much anxiety and causing some to abandon travel on the water all together.

My use of the canoe was more efficient, keeping me safely separated from the perils of getting dumped into the water. Sometimes I would get splashed by the water or put my hand in it. I might even rest and put my feet in the water, but never leave the safety of my boat. The water was fresh and cool and even a few drops were exhilarating, always a surprise and sometimes a shock. Still, I kept only in safe contact with the water, appreciating the comfort of my boat.

But Jesus, who is the living water, wanted more of me. He wanted me in the water. He could have raised a storm or put an obstacle in the river to throw me out, as I had seen Him do with some, but He knows me. He knew and placed the adventurer in me. So, He presented a tributary that flowed off of the previously known part of the river I had been managing and navigating. I could see down it just a little, then it bent out of sight. The water there was active and louder -- I was intrigued by what surprise it might hold for me.

It required, though, I get out of my boat, that which protected me and with which I had become familiar. I pushed the boat ashore and stowed my gear. I figured I could always come back and get it later.

I waded into those waters and soon, I was up to my neck - in deep - and the waters were fast and churning. It was a wild ride, my favorite kind. Most of the time, the current was white water - fast, bubbly. I had left hard gear behind, but anything else in my pockets and not secured to my body was soon lost, ripped away by the rushing current, although I wouldn’t even notice the loss until later. Even then, I realized I didn’t need those few paltry items.

For all the fury, I was never afraid. Oh, it was difficult, requiring all my strength and perseverance. It was harrowing and unknown, yet I knew I was never really in any danger.

Unlike when I was riding atop of the water, I now was very familiar with wetness. I was soaked. The water was in me as much as I was in it--in my hair, my eyes, ears and mouth. Plus, I discovered my relationship with water had changed.

Previously, I rode the current, using it to my advantage as best as I could. Here, my progress was determined by the river, not by my ferocious rowing. With my boat gone, I was still transported down the same river. Through the rapids which first lured me, I found myself in a large and deep expanse of the river - bottomless, cool, refreshing - where I didn’t need my boat and, in fact, didn’t want it.

Also, here I was less concerned with how much distance or speed I traveled. Now my focus was on the water. It not only carried me, but intrigued me by its depth and beauty. I found I could stretch out and let it wholly support my body or I could dive deep for treasures or cool relief. It also brought great things to me. Sometimes I would just be letting myself experience the feel of the water and the current would bring some new person or object to me.

Some people had gotten into the water of their own accord, answering their instinctive call into the water. They turned out to be fun and easy companions.

Some had been dumped overboard by various and sundry means. Most of them were thrashing and splashing, stirring up the water and making it difficult to focus and relax in the water. It was always good to dive deep to escape their turbulence.

Those still in boats and canoes didn’t seem to be in this part of the water. I imagine they tired of it, went ashore and traveled by other means. I don’t think they are going where I am going.

While I don’t really know the exact whereabouts of my destination, it doesn’t seem to matter, for I am getting the benefits of the water now. I am in it; it is in me!!

Come on in!! The water is fine!

Dear Daddy

Abba, Father
I never knew my own father growing up and had a series of step-fathers to whom I didn't attach, or at least had no sense that they would be there for me. I discovered the deeper impact this had on my life when I realized the private, intimate way Jesus said we should address almighty God. Abba is the colloquial address for father that is similar to "papa" or "daddy." I decided to pray to God and address him as my "Daddy."
The first time I did it, I broke down crying. It was too painful and unfamiliar to so address the Lord. It took several tries to where I could address God that way without crying; several more tries to get pass the address and move into the sense that I could crawl into the lap of God and speak to him so personally.
So, recently, I began a journal of letters/prayers to my heavenly Daddy. Sometimes, I am asking him for help. Sometimes, I "tell" on people and say, "Daddy, he's hurting me." Sometimes I tell my heavenly Daddy how much I love him and want to spend time with him.
These prayers have brought me closer to Him in that I feel drawn to the one who would so care about me at this level. I am more aware of his readiness to envelop me in his arms, to come to my rescue, to provide. I love my heavenly Daddy. He has never failed me. He has fully provided for me. Most of all, he makes himself fully available to me. I want more of him!!

PDA

How many times the writers of the Old Testament praise God publicly! I am so impressed with their continual display of God's attributes, thanks for His response to prayer and for the hope and confidence the writer placed in God. Repeatedly, these writers expressed gratitude orally, through song, through prayer, continually even from generation to generation, with all their heart in such a way that it was a public display of affection for their Lord.

Their intent was to let the whole world know of what God had done, to proclaim His greatness over all the earth, to rejoice even in the midst of stress and trouble, to join in His righteousness. The Psalmists called attention to God's salvation, justice, His majesty and glory, His everlasting rule and the fact that God had done something marvelous for them: for being part of God's marvelous workmanship, for giving wisdom and strength, being able to join in righteous living, for good sense, for God's rescue and protection. Through these and many others, the writers extolled the commonality of God's people in receiving these things and God's generousness with His people.

As I read on and on about their ability to praise on all levels, I realize I want to learn to do that, too. I want to learn to examine the day for the evidences of God, the blessings even in trouble, for grace and not focus on my negativity. Life sure looks different that way.

To Know God #19

To see You as You really are, 

to bear the burden heavy. 

To display it so that You are seen 

and that I can be made ready. 

To not deny the Truth 

nor quench the Spirit’s flow. 

To say I walked the path You set 

along the honest row.