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REBEL

This is a repost from November of 2016.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

The groomsman backed Rebel into position and commenced hitching him to the carriage.  This was a new experience for the brown brindled and white colt.  He had never been pared with another horse.  The wildness in his eyes reflected his inner apprehension.

“Hey Barney,” greeted James the carriage driver.  “So the master wants to try this guy in a side-by-side.  You think it’ll work?”

“We’ll see,” replied Barney.  “Rebel is well named.  He always wants to go his own way.  I’m hoping Josh will keep him in line.

James smiled, “I’m headed down the old river road to the Grantham Estates.  That road will test the mettle of a good pair, but Josh knows the road better than I do.  If Rebel’s gonna make it, Josh is his best hope.”

Barney looked on as James took his seat, “God be with you.”  He waved goodbye and said, “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

James backed the carriage a few feet then swung to the left.   With the forward command, Rebel jolted forward.  Josh on the inside of the turn anchored the swing.  Rebel looked silly as he lurched forward and then stopped like he’d hit a brick wall.  Josh, twice his weight and probably twice as strong, held the inside of the turn.  He was in control, and Rebel had to conform.

They headed down the hill toward the junction with the river road.  Rebel had a hard time adjusting to Josh’s steady pace, but eventually he fell into rhythm.  Then they came to the right turn onto the river road.  This time Rebel had the inside of the turn.  Josh quickened his pace on the outside, but Rebel failed to slow.  For James it was a nightmare trying to keep control.  When they finally settled down from the turn, James chuckled to himself.  “He’s learning.”

The team ran along rather smoothly until they reached the bridge.  Rebel had never crossed a bridge.  He bucked and started as they approached.  James finally set the wagon’s brake and went forward to comfort Rebel.  He patted and stroked the horse till he settled.  “You’ve got to learn this too, young buck.  Just follow your lead.  Josh’s got this.”

Josh stood like a rock, stable and sure.  James return to the driver’s seat and gave the command for forward.  Josh slowly moved up the rise to the bridge. Rebel moved ahead tentatively.  At the sound of their hooves on the planking of the bridge, Rebel gave another start.  James let them hesitated for a moment then moved them on.  By the time they reached the other side, Rebel was reasonably settled.

The rest of the trip to Grantham Estates went as expected for a horse in training.  He had his own idea for each bend in the road and how to negotiate the ruts.  Josh held position, and Rebel conformed, mostly.  It was a long trip over the rolling hills to the estate.  As they neared their destination, James could see that Rebel was settling and beginning to trust Josh’s lead.

Upon arrival a servant greeted James with the news that there would be a several hour delay before the package he came for would be ready.  “We’ll take care of your horses,” he said.  “I’ve got some oats and water for them, and I’ll put them in that small corral for the wait.”

“Thanks!” James responded.

“Mrs. Grady has some tea and biscuits for you in the pantry,” the servant added.

“Thanks again,” James said with a noticeable smile.  He loved Mrs. Grady’s cooking.

 

(Next week the return home)

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ADORATION

I have an ever present desire to understand and more deeply worship the God who loves me. During Sunday worship last week this word came to mind, adoration.  I wanted to be sure of what this word actually means so I looked in the dictionary.  I found these words to be most enlightening, “to regard with reverent admiration and devotion.”

I find reverent admiration when I take time to see the wonder of what God has created.  A morning walk or an evening stroll always helps me to settle my mind and peruse his wonders.  King David wrote in Psalm 8:3-5,

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor

I kindle my devotion when I remember all that God has done for me since I surrendered my life to him.  Psalm 103 reminds me that he has forgiven all my sins, and pulled me out of the pit that my life had become.  He loves me, and he has satisfied my desires with good things.

Adoration is already a part of my worship when I remember to stop and take the time to think of whom he is and what he has done in my life.

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JESUS MY ROCK

Sometimes I view my life as a dissipation of days in the routine of work, leisure, eating and sleeping.  I read my Bible and go to church.  I’m a Christian walking through life.  However, I have inkling that there ought to be more.  My relationship with Jesus seems to be lacking.

At other times, I feel excited about life, close to God, and useful in his kingdom.  I move through the day with anticipation. 

I realize at this point you’re thinking manic depressive.  Well not really, most of those around me seem to have the same mood swings.  Here at “the home”, we’re all the same.

Seriously, the fluctuations are mine regardless of the diagnosis, but I find comfort in this truth; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).”  Jesus doesn’t fluctuate; He is my rock.  His truth never changes, and his love never fails.  I don’t need to be overly concerned that our relationship is faltering.  He will soon drop by to remind me that we’re okay.

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CONCEPTION TO ETERNAL LIFE

When we die life as we know it is over.   Now think about this.  When we are born life as we know it is over.  In the womb we live in a dark fluid filled container.  This is the only environment we know.  It is our existence, and we have no idea of change.  Then one day the plug is pulled, so-to-speak, and our fluid world ceases to exist.  Our head is jammed into a tunnel at the end of which is a shocking never before experienced thing, light.

From the trauma of this transition we enter into a new world of existence.  This world now becomes our place to grow and explore.  There is good and evil in this world, and we experience varying amounts of both, but it becomes our home.  This is what we know.

Then we are faced with the change from this world to a new one.  We are faced with death.  The new world is vast and peaceful place where the struggle between good and evil no longer exists.  Most of us want to stay in this life though the new life is far superior to this one.  We want what we know to continue even though a better existence is ahead.

When we are conceived, birth is inevitable.  Once we are born death becomes inevitable.  Our time in the womb, as well as our time here on earth, is important for our growth, but we were never meant to stay in the womb, and we aren’t meant to stay in this life.  I think that this life is like another gestation period leading to the eternal life that God intends for us.

 

What does God intend for us?

 

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

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FATHERHOOD

This Sunday during worship we sang the song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt and Beth Redman.  I was taken by this line, “You give and take away.”  My immediate thought was that any good father understands this responsibility.  When you’re raising your children, you give to them good things, and you take away the bad things.  Children don’t always like what their father does for them, but a good father does what is good for them regardless. 

As a father I carried this responsibility, and now I watch my son shoulder this responsibility.  He’s a good father willing to make the tough, though at times unpopular, decisions.  I recognize that none of us human fathers do this perfectly.  Just ask our children.  But our Heavenly Father, now there’s the perfect father.

Even though God is a perfect father, his children often complain.  I think it’s because we don’t like the answer no.  I know he’s a perfect father who cares for me, but it sometimes tries my faith to trust him when things don’t go my way. 

I’m glad God is my father.  He’s led me to a fulfilling life.  He holds the line even when I kick and scream.  I just have to trust him and remember that he has my best interest in mind.

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PSALM 32 CONCEALED SIN

All humans have this in common, sin.  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).  The question then is how do we deal with our sin?  In Psalm 32 David wrestles with sin.  He talks about the anguish of his hidden sin.  The weight of guilt is heavy upon him.  Have you ever experienced the torment of trying to keep a sin concealed?

David writes in Psalm 32:5, Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.  Confession is David’s answer.  It is amazingly freeing when we bring a hidden sin into the light and receive God’s forgiveness.  We can trust God.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Concealed sin separates us from God; confessed sin restores us to God.  The universal and eternally most important thing is to be restored to God.  The significance of Christmas is that Jesus came to earth so we might be restored to God.  God has made the way for us.  Don’t miss out!  Confess your sins and receive God’s great gift of forgiveness.

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TROUBLE

John 16:3 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

James 1:2-3 Considerate it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

1Peter 4:1-2 (The Message) Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him.  Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.  Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

I think these passages make it clear that “In this world you will have trouble”.  Since we will have trouble, it is not about the trouble; it’s about how we handle it.  I see two options: one trust in self and the world’s ways, or two trust in God.  In my early life, I chose option one; but now I’ve had enough years with the Lord to relish option 2.  The longer I struggle with these options, the easier it gets to live under option two.  The Apostle Peter in the above scripture paints a clear picture of how working through troubles frees us from the pursuit of our selfish will.

As a father, I have watched my adult children walk through many of life’s troubles. It was painful.  I helped when I could, but circumstances didn’t often allow me to intervene.  I learned that they are God’s children, and I need to allow him to be their father.

Now, how wonderful it is to see my children maturing in the Lord.  I am truly blessed, and so is our Father.  As I trust him, he is blessed; and as my children trust him, he is blessed.

Now he and I get to see my adult grandchildren go through the troubles of this life.  It will be at times painful to watch, but I know God and I will be blessed.  It’s his promise to me.

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PSALM 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

 

My help comes from an all-powerful God who loves me as his child.  I find great comfort in these words.  When I am lost in my incessant self-reliance, I am fearful; but when I look beyond myself, I recall that my help comes from the Lord maker of heaven and earth.  I am so prone to forget this.

 

The circumstances don’t change. It’s my perspective that changes.  I look for the Lord, and he comforts me.  He surrounds me with his presence, and I find peace.

 

Whatever they may be, I pray that you find God’s presence in your circumstances.

 

Love and blessing,

Al

 

(Thanks to Joyce Caperton for directing me to this Psalm)

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Climbing the Wall of Self

Get over yourself!  Has anybody ever said that to you?  Did you know what they meant?  Well I’ve been asking people what this statement means, and have gotten some rather puzzled looks.  One young lady shared that it’s being obsessed with yourself.  Most agreed that it’s thinking only of yourself and your self-importance.  Yet, isn’t this the challenge for all of us?  Don’t we all need to get over ourselves?

When I think of getting over myself I envision this masonry wall that I have to climb over.  On the other side of the wall I find much more happiness.  For when my focus is on others, and I lose the self-concern, I feel fulfilled.  But, that wall of self is hard to get over.  It’s a difficult climb that requires self-discipline. It sounds contradictory, but self-discipline is the way to get over yourself.  We need to get on the other side of the wall of self, but, as I said, it’s a difficult climb.

This is how the Apostle Paul said it to the Philippians:

            (Philippians 2:3-4, MSG) Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top.  Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.  Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage.  Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Paul was simply telling the Philippians to get over themselves, and I believe the message is also for us.  So, I’m passing the message on, with all love and empathy, exclaiming, get over yourself!  Be assured, I’ll be right beside you sharing the challenge in our attempt to climb that wall of self.

 

Dear friends, I will need to begin cancer treatments soon.  I appreciate your loyal sharing in my thoughts each week, and I intend to continue sharing during my treatments.  Please forgive any deviations in my posting schedule.  No need to be concerned the prognosis is very positive.  Please pray when I come to your mind.  God bless each of you who read this.

Love to you,

Al Vredenburg

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THE REAL ISSUE

 What is the real issue that Christians need to concern themselves with?  This question arose from a conversation I had last week.  A close friend and I were discussing the changes in morality that we’ve seen in our life time.  As we talked, it dawned on me that, though I’m saddened by the moral decline in America, this is not the real issue.

Jesus didn’t charge us with fixing the sin in others, and he warned us not to judge others (See Matthew 7:1-5).  However, he did charge us with two things.  The first is to love one another, and the second is to make others disciples.  Our job is to love our fellow humans, and bring them to him.  He’ll take care of fixing the sin.

Sin and evil are all around us, and this has been true since the fall of Adam and Eve.  Jesus has the only cure for sin.  So the real issue is do you know Jesus?  As Christians, loving sinners and bringing them to Jesus is the issue that should occupy our time.