“Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!” (Matthew 23:24)

I had a good friend who years ago quoted scripture that did not exist.  But he made you think about it which, of course, was always the purpose for his comment.  When something went awry and in his mind it was no big deal, he would always say, “Hezekiah 2:4.” If you hadn’t heard my friend’s words of wisdom before, you would most likely ask the question, “Hezekiah 2:4 . . .  what’s that?” To which he would reply, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Now the way my friend said it, you would leave the conversation convinced that Hezekiah was one of those lesser known books in The Bible, probably lost somewhere in the middle of the Old Testament.  Actually Hezekiah is mentioned in the Old Testament, and he is one of the kings named in the geneaology of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.  What’s interesting is that years after I heard my friend’s expression for the first time, author Richard Carlson published his book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – and it’s all small stuff. 

If Carlson is correct, then why do we do so many things in our lives get blown out of proportion?  Those of us who are Christians should know better. Or maybe that’s indeed what our Faith Journey is all about; something we indeed need to work on.  In regards to Matthew 23:24 (above), Biblical commentator Matthew Henry states: “We are really what we are inwardly. Outward motives may keep the outside clean, while the inside is filthy; but if the heart and spirit be made new, there will be newness of life; here we must begin with ourselves.”  Jesus recognized the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of His day and denounced it by stating, “You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (Matthew 23:23)

At the home of Mary and Martha, Jesus imparts that it’s more about the relationship than the ritual.  ^“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).  I don’t know about you, but I can almost hear Jesus saying, “Martha, don’t sweat the small stuff.”

So, back to our Journey. Our work, our homes, our churches and communities are all filled with efforts that sometimes become concentrated on ‘making a mountain out of a molehill’  and not lifting up those things of significance. Our society has become cluttered with reaction by the cynics and complainers over almost every phase of our life.  One of the worse culprits in the entertainment world is the obsession with so-called reality TV programming.  Talk about an exaggerated performance over a little bit of nothing. One must question if it might be refreshing to see a reality show about a Christian family living in harmony where no one makes a big deal out of anything. It would offer few if any displays of drama for the camera. Of course, no one would watch; the ratings would not be positive.  But it might have a meaningful influence on the characters that got to live out their real life roles. We might call it “The Real Christians of Anywhere, U.S.A.” Now there’s a show that might be worth watching.

REFLECTION:  Do you make mountains out of molehills in your own life? What are some things that you grumble about that are illustrations of ‘small stuff’?  How might our real life practice change so that we would come to focus on those things that truly honor God?

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 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

The other day my friend and I were walking as is our usual custom. We pride ourselves in the fact that we set a decent pace to elevate our heart rate and achieve desired strengthening for our legs.  In the course of our exercise, I noticed that we were gaining on a young man who couldn’t have been out of his teens.  As we moved over to the one side of the track and were ready to go around him, I looked over and said jokingly, “You know you’re letting a couple of older folks pass you up.”  He glanced up and replied, “Oh I just got done running the lap; I’m only cooling down.”  Ouch!  I guess it all depends on your perspective, doesn’t it?

A few years ago I attended a professional conference for my work.  I heard a motivational speaker whom I will never forget.  His name is Dewitt Jones, and he is a freelance photographer who had done work for National Geographic.  Dewitt uses his experience as a photojournalist to inspire others to refocus their thinking and their approach.  Through the multiple lenses and angles of his camera, he reveals that there can be numerous correct perspectives to the images along one’s Journey that will enhance creativity and enrich their life. As I remembered this tremendous speaker, I asked myself if there might be differing perspectives for the Christian on living out the Faith Journey as well.

For years, I have searched in my prayer life for the right way to pray. When we are young, we learn to fold our hands, close our eyes and bow our heads. While some may not credit our “Now I lay me down to sleep…” bedtime prayer as having much substance, it is a practice that will set the tone for an important spiritual connection.  I am not convinced that there are absolutes when it comes to prayer, although I do think we can apply lessons from our photographer friend previously mentioned.  First consideration:  Are we in the best location? Whether it’s a good angle to get the shot or the most appropriate place to share with God, location is of key significance. Scripture tells us – “when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).  Next, we must be sure we have selected the right lens.  You can’t get a decent close up with a wide-angle lens. Therefore we ask, what tools do we have available when we pray?  Again God’s Word provides an answer.  “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind” (1 Corinthians 14:15).  Finally, we must be sure we are in focus. When we take our picture, we want it to be clear.  Likewise, when we pray we also want to have transparency.  “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3).

Like every picture the photojournalist will publish, the intricacies of how we pray are unique for each person. The Bible is full of examples of people praying in various ways.  As with the skilled photographer, each of us will travel a slightly different road in our prayer journey. When we seriously consider our talks with God, we come to realize it’s not so much about the ‘wish list’ but more about the consistent relationship we develop with our Heavenly Father.  Max Lucado says, “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who said it, our prayers do make a difference.”  A quality photo and a meaningful prayer both get framed in the moment.  Their extraordinary visions are captured by those who love what they see and are cherished by the one who created them.

REFLECTIONS:  As you have matured, has your perspective on prayer changed accordingly?  What is one area of refocusing that would improve your prayer life?  When you feel that your prayers have gone unanswered, do you reexamine your motives and persist in your petition?

(For more information on Dewitt, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbHAx4zrfR8).

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“May the Lord smile on you…” Numbers 6:25

There are certain things that remind us of the special people in our lives, especially if they have passed on.  For me, the smell of sawdust will almost instantly bring back memories of my father, because he was an avid carpenter. American author and international speaker Squire Rushnell tells a delightful story about an experience Emmett Kelly’s daughter had at the time of his passing.  After receiving word that her father had died, Stasia Kelly boarded a plane to fly home.  The man seated beside her asked her why she was so down.  She explained that she was the daughter of the famous ‘sad’ clown and was traveling home to be with family and attend his funeral. The man beside her was quite taken back. He revealed that on the day she was born, he was the photographer who snapped a picture of her father smiling as he was receiving word of Stasia’s birth.   In his book Divine Alignment, Rushnell describes these moments in life to be ‘God Winks’.  (Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvdkCJgRzEk for more information.)

Through his sober expression, Kelly’s job was to make others smile by his sad appearance. However in his personal life, the birth of a daughter instantly brought an uncommon smile to his clown face. As we mature, we come to realize that fathers are one of the most important people in our lives. Dad will get you to lie down in his arms in the swimming pool for the first time. And when he tells you that he is going to let go and that you are to paddle, you are confident he will be there to keep you from sinking if you start going under.  When your friends or siblings convince you to climb that old oak tree in the back yard, Dad is the one waiting for you to jump into his loving arms when you freeze after you realize just how high you have climbed. Paul Harvey said that: “A father never feels entirely worthy of the worship in his child’s eyes.  He never is quite the hero his daughter thinks, never quite the man his son believes him to be. This worries him, sometimes. So he works too hard to try and smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him.”

Fathers teach us about life in a way that no one else can. When we break the rules, mom says, “Just wait till your father gets home.” When we run to him to shield us from the monsters, we are confident that he will protect us.  When he teaches us to ride a bike or drive a car, we might become frustrated with all the cautionary instructions but will one day be grateful that he taught us the right way.  When we move away and are welcomed home again at any time, it somehow becomes easier to tell him how much we love him.  All of these things make Dad smile.  It’s somewhat remarkable that the same obedient heart, absolute trust, use of his gifts and instruction, and expression for continual love are the identical things that make our Heavenly Father smile as well.

As in our Journey, not yet complete, we echo this prayer: “Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live” (Psalm 119:135).  For as we traverse along the path, we hopefully become humbled to understand that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23).  As the path becomes rocky and we stumble, we think of Dad and remember his example. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).  So grant me unwavering day-by-day faith Lord that I would be attentive to the tasks you have placed before me, knowing that when my day is done you will be able to smile and say, “Well done…” (Matthew 25:21).

REFLECTION:  Think back on those things that made your earthly father smile, or if you are a dad, at what times do your children make you smile?  Can you see similarities with what makes your Heavenly Father smile?  If you are not already doing so, what would you have to do to make pleasing God the goal of your life?

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“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”       (Proverbs 19:21)

I was told about a young pastor who had been called to serve a congregation.  There were many who had misgivings about the placement, concerned that he just wasn’t a good fit.  During his first Sunday sermon, the new minister told the congregation about himself and how this assignment was, for sure, the highlight of his life to date.  As he relayed his life’s journey thus far, he stated that he was anxious to also hear about theirs. Yet there were the skeptics who felt that the position would be too overwhelming for what this pastor would be capable of providing.  And whether they were correct or whether it was a self-fulfilling prophecy, it was not long until their emergent leader determined it necessary to submit his resignation.

When I heard this, I speculated on what emotions the young pastor had experienced.  Had he felt defeated? Did he question if he was capable of ministering to a congregation at all?  Had his self-confidence been shattered?  I would like to think that his faith was strong enough to know that there would be new opportunities.  Surely if he felt called to serve, then God would use him to minister for His purpose. And maybe that short-lived pastorate was just a life lesson for what would become his next calling.

Seldom are the plans set forth in our youth fulfilled quite the way we envision them.  As we journey through life, we recognize that while we are free to ‘do our own thing’ – those who choose to walk with God are subject to His purposes.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God creates behind the scenes, shaping the events, giving us opportunity to serve Him through the gifts He has provided.  In that regard, it would be best if we could let go of the past, because it often interferes with what yet needs to be accomplished. For most of us, this is easy to say and difficult to do. So it becomes a work in progress, as even Paul acknowledged. “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13).

If we believe that our God has a design for a world that creates order out of disorder, then surely we must also believe that He has a plan intricate enough for those who love Him. Maria von Trapp said: “It will be very interesting one day to follow the pattern of our life as it is spread out like a beautiful tapestry. As long as we live here we see only the reverse side of the weaving, and very often the pattern, with its threads running wildly, doesn’t seem to make sense.  Someday, however, we shall understand. In looking back over the years we can discover how a red thread goes through the pattern of our life: the Will of God.”  And so . . . when we come to recognize that the plans of our heart are not always the ones that God can use for His purpose, we realize that it is there in the midst of our disappointments where we are often blessed to find God’s appointments.

REFLECTION: What would your life look like if you could start off with a clean slate?
When your Journey doesn’t seem to be going the way you had it planned – do you allow God to comfort you and provide peace in your heart while He renews your spirit? Can you recall a time when you were sure you had failed that in reality turned out to be a blessing in disguise?

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“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5).

Emily wasn’t a close friend, but a friend none-the-less.  One day when I was with her, she told me about brain tumors that had been discovered, all this following recent uterine cancer and breast cancer years before.  On several occasions, I would try to talk with her about her faith and always let her know that she was in my prayers. She seemed appreciative and gave me indication that she and God also had their own chats.  One week my phone rang on a Sunday morning. Emily was calling to tell me that she had been admitted to a regional hospital after having increased symptoms that the tumors were affecting her normal functioning.  As a close to our conversation, I said, “I want to make sure you know that every nurse who is caring for you, every doctor who is treating you, every test that is being run on you – God works through all of those.” Before she hung up, she said, “Thank you for encouraging me.” That was my last conversation with Emily.

It’s been an interesting reflection as I think back on Emily’s use of the word “encouraging.”  There are so many other phrases she could have used like “giving me hope” or “cheering me up.” Whatever the case, I wish I could have done more.  Hopefully what I did say in our conversations made a difference.  It reminds me of the adaptation of The Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley that reads something like this: 

“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out ‘Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?’  The young man paused, looked up, and replied, ‘Throwing starfish into the ocean.’ ‘I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?’ inquired the somewhat startled wise man. To this, the young man replied, ‘The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.’ Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, ‘But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!’ At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, ‘It made a difference for that one.’”

As Christians, we also have the power to make a difference one person at a time through our words and actions. We do so “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ” (Colossians 2:2). As Believers we must pray for wisdom as we intersect with folks along our journey.  If you honor others as fellow creatures of God, you will temper your actions and words remembering that you’re the only Jesus some may ever see.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  Special is that person who will take the time to encourage a fellow sojourner. So, go forth, my friend, and make a difference for that one.

REFLECTIONS:  For a more extensive reading and visual of The Starfish Story, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03aOXRSlcXo    As you think about the message of the story, in what way might you make a difference in your small part of the world?  Who in your life needs to hear your words or experience your acts of encouragement?

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“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

In the 1950’s Betty Cornell’s Teenage Popularity Guide offered advice and guidance for young girls who wanted to be poised, self-confident, and “shiny bright.” A few years ago, then 13-year-old Maya Van Wagenen read this guide, and she says that without a doubt her initial impression was how outdated it was. However, having had personal difficulty making friends and being social, Maya gave some of the guidance a try. Through her own “social experiment” she documented her experience in her own book entitled Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek.  Van Wagenen came to realize was that what was not outdated about Cornell’s original guidebook was a message that has withstood the test of time. Maya says that “it’s really less about what you wear and how you look and more about the kind of person that you are.”  Over fifty years ago Cornell captured this universal truth that Maya has now been able to validate first-hand, and recently Time Magazine cited her as one of their most influential teens.

We live in a throw-away society where the stuff of life becomes outdated very quickly. It should not surprise us, therefore, that some will debate whether the words in the Bible, written for and by a culture thousands of years ago, have any relevance for those of us today. Be assured that they do! Some good examples are found in the promises of God. The skeptic within reminds us that we are accustomed to seeing promises made and broken. But God’s Word is filled with His many promises that have not changed and will never be broken. God has promised to supply every need we have (Philippians 4:19).  God has also promised that His grace is sufficient for us (II Corinthians 12:9) and that those who believe in Him shall have victory over death (I Corinthians 15:57). Paul also tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). Whenever we find a promise in Scripture and cling to it in faith, God is pleased and faithful. The uniqueness of God’s promises are that they help us to submit to His will and to trust Him, “being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised” (Romans 4:21).

The Bible contains a great deal of relevant information. God’s Word will never be outdated, superseded, or improved upon. James L. Wilson said: “Cultures change. Churches change. Life changes. God doesn’t.”  The Word of God is as applicable today as it was when it was first written. Not all of Scripture necessarily applies explicitly to us today, but all Scriptures contain truth that we can, and should, apply to our lives. They may have been written to an ancient society, but they were meant to inspire all generations. The Word of God comes to us not in the form of a dead book but rather as a living guide for each chapter in the journey we personally write every day.

REFLECTION:  What do I value (and therefore find pertinent) in God’s many promises?  If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), how can I use this scripture to refute that Jesus’ teachings are not relevant in today’s culture?  How does the Word of God meet the needs of modern man and society’s disregard for respecting others?

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