Jody Along the Path

What is it about a ‘mystery’ that makes most of us feel the need to solve it? Mystery novels, movies with a mystery (some special effects and an alien or two – and don’t forget a love story!), and TV CSI shows are very popular! Why? Mysteries keep our interest. They give us a sense of adventure as we run to see what is around this turn or behind a door. We like to see how the characters around the mystery will respond and react.

God is a mystery. There are many, many facets of God that have challenged and confounded theological detectives for centuries. Some of the hundreds, if not thousands, of unsolved God-mysteries are:

v The Trinity: What does “three Persons in One God” mean?

v God says He is love and yet orders entire civilizations destroyed (Saul & Amalakites, Joshua & Jericho, Ai)

v Creation

v Jesus is God and man.

And the list goes on and on.

“I the LORD do not change.” Malachi 3:6 (NIV)

And yet God said He would destroy Nineveh. He sent Jonah there to tell the king and city. When they repented – God changed His mind and did not destroy the city!

The Lord says quite plainly in Isaiah 55 that His thoughts are not my thoughts and my ways aren’t His ways. In fact, His ways are so much higher than mine, like the heavens are higher than the earth where I live. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

And so God is a mystery. I like a plan with countable points and subtitles. In 1995 I took a step of faith and threw in my life with Jesus. I have had a moment when I wondered at the wisdom of that move. (Summer 2002) I sat down and wrote “The Cost of Being a Disciple”. It has turned into a class complete with PowerPoint! I came to the personal conclusion that the cost is high but the cost of NOT being a disciple is higher! My life with Jesus has been …LIFE! It has been growing which means there is learning and discipline and much joy. I can live with the mystery and love that is God because He is living in me.

I don’t think I can even imagine what it would be like to be married to a successful politician or actor. These two professions (in my opinion) are so ‘out there’ in the public eye. There is a weird relationship that must be defined (and lived with) between a politician or actor and the media. Every word that you say, every place you are seen is under scrutiny, judged, and the verdict (accurate or not!) is laid out for thousands, if not millions, to share and ‘feed’ on!

That said, I have continued to find the public relationship of former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hilary Clinton – strange. I just saw a news headline today on cnn.com that quoted former President Clinton as saying, “…this might be the last day” of Senator Clinton’s campaign. Is that what you say when you are supporting your wife? Do you say anything when it’s her campaign that is about policy or strategy without passing it through her? Senator Clinton isn’t saying “Uncle” yet so why is her husband saying it? She certainly has shot herself in the foot often enough but if she happens to miss…her husband has a spare gun oiled and ready!!!

Marriage is hard work without putting it in a very public forum. If communication is the primary key to marriage, communicating through the media (and their interpretation of everything!) must be a nightmare of a strain.

Marriage is also about thinking of and showing consideration of another. Learning to speak after thinking of your spouse’s feelings is real breakthrough in a ‘good’ marriage! How often have I heard Ephesians 5:22-33 quoted as a basis for a ‘good’ marriage. It says that I, as a wife, should be submissive to my husband. It also says that Henry, as a husband, should love me just like Jesus loves His Church. Most women I know are pretty quick to say that their husbands do not love them like they think Jesus loves us, His Church. And so since their husband doesn’t love them like that…they aren’t going to be submissive. But most of us (meaning the wives since I would presume to speak for the husbands!) if we were honest really do not like to use the word ‘submissive’ in the same sentence with our own names. ‘Submissive’ seems like it goes with words like ‘slave’ and ‘door mat’. It’s a trust issues, isn’t it? Most people that know me wouldn’t say that ‘submissive’ is an adjective generally associated with me.

When I got married almost nine years ago, I did something I had never done. I made a commitment with Henry and God. Trust grew. I trusted God. Henry trusted God. So we trusted each other. I trusted Henry that he was thinking of me when he made decisions. Sometimes I knew that because he would pray about ‘stuff’ with me! What a concept!

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

As we, Henry and I, love each other, work together, even ‘cut each other some slack’ – we do it and it glorifies Jesus!

On July 4, 2007, I wrote a blog entry “Josh Hancock: Family and Grief” and shared my thoughts about how Josh’s family were dealing with his tragic death; misplacing their pain and grief. It is unfortunately no surprise that another family has made a choice to try to make litigation the salve to ease their overwhelming pain in a terrible situation.

In 2006, Steve Domalewski, age 12, was a Little League pitcher. He was hit by a line drive in the chest just above his heart. His heart stopped and his doctors say he was without oxygen for 15-20 minutes. His family has brought a lawsuit against Little League Baseball, Sports Authority (who sold the bat), and Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (who made the bat) stating they should have known the bat was dangerous for children to use.

The picture in the accompanying article depicts a young man who will probably require the help and supervision of his parents and family members for the rest of his life. I can only imagine their disbelief about a life that took a turn they did not see coming. They must now help their son live a life that has quality and purpose in a very different path than he was on at age 11. But I do not believe that a bat or its manufacturer is to blame for these events.

First, the word ‘accident’ by definition “is an event occurring by chance or unintentionally” according to Merriam-Webster (1997 Merriam-Webster Inc.) and I doubt a 12-year-old batter in a Little League game intentionally hit a ball to strike another player. Baseball bats are constructed by weight and length for use by a player that fits his/her comfort – and at age 12 was probably chosen by the player or parent when it was purchased by them! An accident. Horrible. Uncalculated. Tragic. Hard-to-find-the-‘why’—ACCIDENT!!!

From my ‘bleacher seat’ observation post and taking full consideration that this was not my child and I have distance from the situation – I am begging an answer to this question: Why was Steven without oxygen for 15-20 minutes? Was there no one present who knew CPR?

It seems that might be a good place to put outrage and grief at this situation. This is an opportunity to impact thousands of children, making a game they love a little more safe. Possibilities: Every Little League sponsored team must have CPR certified people present. Encourage every coach to be CPR certified. Encourage PARENTS to be CPR certified!!! You could designate the CPR certified adult as a “Steven’s Staffer” in his honor! Look at ways that if a similar accident happens again, the outcome for that child might be better because someone knew how to respond.

Grief doesn’t come just when a child dies. Grief comes at the death of a dream; a way of life. Grief ‘wins’ only if we let it destroy and stop before a ‘new life’ can begin.

‘Redeemed’ is a church-y word to me. I’ve sang the word many times in hymns and songs. I’ve read about ‘my Redeemer’ and I know that is Jesus. In the last week, the word has come to me many times and has grown new ‘roots’ in my heart. Another layer of the ‘old Jody’ was peeled away. I feel refreshed and tender with new love for my Father who loves me.

Look and receive this: at just the right moment, when we could not do ANYTHING to help ourselves, Jesus, the Messiah, died for us…the godless ones. How often does someone die for someone else? We read and hear about heroes who die for ‘good’ people, children maybe. Look how God showed us He loves (present tense) us! While we were still ungodly and sinning, Jesus died for us!!!
Romans 5:6-8 (my paraphrase)

“I have loved you with a forever-and-ever love that had no
starting place (it always was) and it has no ending; I call to you with loving, kind words.”
Jeremiah 31:3 (my paraphrase)

I am sharing this today with those of you who know that you have been given eternal life because of Jesus Christ. There is no need to say that that is the greatest gift that the Father has given us; the most perfect picture of His love for us. I’m not sure that the ‘picture’ will become truly clear until I am in heaven and walking with Jesus and know that it will be forever. Paul said that I am looking through an unclear glass but that one day I will see clearly. So what is here for me to see and know about God’s love.

I have been praying about my son recently. He has an injury that is both aggravating and causing him to be unable to be all he desires and can be as a pitcher. And it is not just about pitching. John has been brought to this moment in his life to be used to impact the lives of many children and their families. As God was speaking to me about His love and about REDEMPTION I went to tears as I grabbed the words “I call to you with loving, kind words”. God loves me. He loves me to save me and He loves me to heal me. I have the faith for eternity because to me, in some weird mind process, it isn’t here and now in front of me. It is real to me – as much as I can grasp what ‘eternity’ is but to be healed now, in this life, in this moment, makes God’s love very tangible and I find myself stumbling on the path. Do I accept that God loves me so much that He would extend His hand and touch me in a miracle? John cannot take time off and rehab his way back to health. There are no medicines that will ‘cure’ this. He must have a miracle. As I pray, I can ask for nothing else but a miracle. God loves me. God loves John. God’s love is already on us, in us, and wants to SHOW us how much He loves us! As a parent, tucking a child into bed, holding them when they are hurt or scared, doing or saying anything that makes them feel better – that is the BEST part of being a parent! How much more is God like that with me? With John? With each one of us?

I AM REDEEMED!

For a variety of reasons many people may be surprised by my question. For over 30 years I went to church nearly every Sunday and I cannot remember really thinking during the message or any other part of the service. The songs were so familiar that I could sing them without looking at the book. Their language was dated and did not lend itself to understanding much less mustering a feeling that I was actually singing it to worship the Lord. I could write my grocery list and review the children’s activities and never miss a beat! Many messages were more about church ‘doctrine’ and as I did begin to study the Bible I found the doctrines to have only a minimal connection to God’s teachings.

The last 10+ years I have been challenged, had all of my toes stomped, and not only carried my Bible to church but also found the best use for a bulletin – paper for note-taking! I come home and spend the next week reading and re-reading the marked passages and going further into cross references! It’s a wonderful thing! I have found myself grateful for those who share their message from God. I have even occasionally disagreed with them which becomes fertilizer for spiritual growth! Just sitting and nodding is like dining on milk toast when you are craving a thick steak or a big turkey leg!

I invite you to go to my daily devotion page and follow the next three days as I share some of the message I recently received about witnessing. Allow yourself to explore this fundamental purpose for which God has created us. Spend some time THINKING!

And he [Jesus] took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16 (NIV)

Like so many, many MANY young adults today – I grew up going to church every week, following the example of my parents. When I reached college and was able to freely make a decision to stay connected or not – I chose “not”. I had no personal knowledge or relationship with God so making a weekly pilgrimage to a church was not a high priority.

Then I became a “Mom” and the reality of evil that permeates the world got my attention and caused me to begin again to attend church and take my children. I became sometimes overwhelmingly involved in church activities. I had a large circle of friends that met my social needs and included a connection between our children. Looking back now, I see a wonderful social circle of caring and support but little in the way of personal spiritual knowledge that forges a relationship to God.

My children are grown now and the truths that I could now pass on to them and their children are these:

1) Pray. Pray that their children will find God as the answer to that ‘hole’ in their lives. Like a loving and tireless shepherd, Jesus is out there looking for all His lost sheep. Pray that when Jesus is standing there with outstretched arms that your children will respond.

2) Walk out your own life in Truth with the Holy Spirit. Speak and do only what you know and believe. Your child has been given discernment to ‘see’ a hypocrite at a very early age! If you don’t know – say, “I don’t know” and “Let’s look for an answer together”. What a great opportunity to ‘touch base’ with your child, sit down and look in God’s Word and seek answers together. And when you come to that HARD QUESTION: “WHY?”

· “Why am I still alone?”

· “Why am I different?”

· “Why did he/she have to die?”

· “Why is this happening?”

I believe God answers this question individually. The answer that works for me may not (even probably will not) work for my child. God is truth. God is faith. God won’t leave us. God will answer. Keep asking. Keep listening. God will answer.

3) Let them work in God’s Kingdom doing what they love to do. Like baseball? Start a fellowship group to go to games – and begin the Bible study in the fall after the season. Working parents? Church Movie Night with child care provided – soda, popcorn, and a DVD! Short devotion before you break for the night. See where Jesus will meet His children!

Jesus went out to people where they lived their lives and spoke about relevant topics to ‘catch’ them and then brought them into theology. Many times it was the person who brought up God – not Jesus. (Like the Samaritan woman, John 4)

Whether in music, with guitars and drums and contemporary styles – we must go to our young people and draw them in with language that relates to them and speak to how much God is relevant to the activities and questions they have. We ‘water’ them with God’s Spirit and they will grow into the deep roots that come with study and a relationship with God.

I won’t know the full story this side of heaven on what I did obediently to God’s direction and what I didn’t in raising my children. It is in what I said and didn’t say, what I set as priorities and what I didn’t, and what I valued and what I didn’t that I pass on to my children whether I am aware of it or not. In the end, my children and grandchildren’s journey of faith will be as unique as mine. I will continue to pray that when Jesus meets them – they will respond.

I believe forgiveness is about the heart. When Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34), He was looking at my heart not at the actions or the words. What was my heart really saying or doing?

God wants me to forgive. Jesus gave me vivid examples about forgiveness like the one as He stretched His arms out on the cross. He spoke about its importance and how much I am to forgive.

“Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:37-38 (NIV)

Peter wanted to know how many times he had to forgive his brother! (Do you wonder if he meant Andrew?) Jesus essentially says, “A BUNCH!” (Matthew 18:21-22)

So – I am to forgive. But that act of obedience is not usually tied up in a neat bow, in a pretty box, that has an opening and a closing. Forgiveness usually involves someone with whom we have a relationship, whether it is spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, fellow church member, or co-worker. We have a level (minimal or large) of trust with that person and the trust has been broken.

Sometimes that ‘brokenness’ can be identified by both parties and both want to reconcile and reconnect again. That’s a good thing. Both parties come back and speak words that hopefully clarify and offer repentance for poor choices or decisions or responses. Though the relationship can never return to what was – a new one can begin to grow and form.

Too often, in my experience, forgiveness, or the need for it, is identified by only one party. The other truly does not recognize a problem or chooses NOT to recognize a problem and so complete reconciliation is not possible…for now. However, healing is possible with God’s great help as He shows us how to move forward, taking ownership for our own mistakes, going to our knees to Him to ask forgiveness, and receiving His truth and light in the circumstance. Since God is the only one perfect enough to judge, it is with Him that we can find peace in all circumstances as He freely gives His all-sufficient grace to us. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Forgiveness is something to begin NOW; a road trip not to be put off by the million-and-one excuses that I can find. It is to be seen as one step at a time, directed by a Savior who knows my heart and knows my endurance. He moves me in perfect timing and shows me the blessings of staying on course. Jesus is ready and available for countless discussions; a teacher and confidant.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

I am not a very political person. I do not watch broadcasts of debates or read transcripts of speeches. My decision on the candidate that will receive my vote on an election day is done with 60% prayer and 10% actual listening to the candidate on issues that are important to me. The other 30%? It’s about integrity. I ask myself how does this person conduct themselves over the mud-slinging, back-biting months of the campaign? And what is their track record in life with their marriage and priorities?

If Senator Obama wants to be the President of the United States, he cannot sidestep the fact that he is black. If his faith is a priority and affects his decisions as he has alluded, then he must deal with that issue also. He has done well, in my opinion, until this report came out, and I quote from CNN.com:

Sen. Barack Obama says in an interview that aired on TV Friday that he would have left his church if his pastor had not retired and had not acknowledged making comments that “deeply offended people.”

I suspect this statement came about after the media ‘hammered’ in their usual relentless fashion for Senator Obama to make some response to Hilary Clinton’s remark at how quickly she would have left her church if her pastor had made such statements. (I won’t even qualify that ludicrous comment!) While my personal experience with the media is not in the same universe with Senator Obama, Clinton, or McCain, I have been misquoted (out of context or in no context) and had an offhand remark receive the spotlight and the purpose of the interview become lost in the sludge.

It is time for Senator Obama to make a stand and say, “NO MORE! I WILL NOT respond to any more questions or comments about this issue! Let’s keep our eye on the ball and this game has MOVED ON!” There is no more that he needs to say in explanation or in defense of a man who, though imperfect, was used by God to bring him to Christ.

I look forward to the day when we have a black president. I have looked with interest at Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, and now Senator Obama and said, “Lord, is this the one?” It is an important step in healing and ‘moving on’ to a country that is unified in Spirit, looking past colors.

I haven’t made a decision … yet. I am still listening to the One who always reports the truth!

Maybe I’ll have something to say about Senator McCain on another day. Don’t look for anything about Senator Clinton. My mother always told me that if I can’t say something nice – don’t say anything.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb… John 20:1 (NIV)

If you check the four gospels, you’ll find that there is no mention of Saturday. The gospels, each in their own way, records the burial of Jesus on Friday (three specifically mention the haste of burying Jesus before the Sabbath sundown) and then the scene picks up on Sunday morning. Early. What did the disciples and the women do on Saturday? . . .

Continue reading at Jody’s Devotionals.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Luke19:10 (NIV)

Have you ever been lost? Being in an unfamiliar city can make me feel bewildered and even frustrated – especially if I have inaccurate directions. Both of those emotions may find their root in fear. I don’t know where I am and will I find my way back to something familiar?

Today’s Devotion continues…