A King's Advice

For many years it has been the custom for the British monarch to give a national Christmas broadcast and today Queen Elizabeth speaks annually on television. Her grandfather King George V began the custom in 1932 on the radio and while his successors continued the practice it was his son King George IV who found it particularly difficult. He dreaded the experience as each year he faced the microphone with trepidation since he suffered from a stuttering problem and any public address had to be carefully rehearsed. However, he took special speaking instructions and with the help and encouragement of his wife Queen Elizabeth, he practiced and prepared. However, in 1939 he was worried about not just the preparation but also the content of his speech, for he knew it would be especially important.

In 1939 Britain faced a deadly Nazi threat and he knew that his words would need to be especially inspiring and encouraging. Yet despite his anxiety he used the occasion to impart some timeless advice, using the words of an anonymous writer.

We don’t face the Nazis as did the king and his people, but our world can still be just as tumultuous and fearful. Yet we too can be inspired by the same words the king used as we also enter a new year, His words are just as valid as they were then.

He ended his broadcast: “A new year is at hand. We cannot tell what it will bring. If it brings peace, how thankful we shall all be. If it brings us continued struggle we shall remain undaunted. In the meantime I feel that we may all find a message of encouragement in the lines which, in my closing words, I would like to say to you: 'I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way. May that Almighty Hand guide and uphold us all.”

True Vision

Andrea looked up from her desk in the waiting room to see a familiar looking woman forge up to her desk, her mouth set in a firm line. She wore dark glasses and a scarf wrapped around her head and tied behind.

“I want to talk to the doctor!” She demanded. “I have a complaint!”

“Uh… Mrs. Jones?” Andrew thought she had recognized the newcomer, a skill she tried to cultivate. After all, it was good patient relations to recognize all those who came to Dr. Smith particularly the elderly people he often treated for their eye problems.

“Yes ­ I’m Mrs. Jones and I want to see the doctor!”

“I know you had your cataract surgery just recently -­ was there a problem with that?” Andrea asked.

“No ­ it’s something else! Now let me talk to the doctor!”

Aware that the exchange was attracting the attention of others in the waiting room, Andrea decided it was time to call in assistance. At her call, Dr. Smith’s nurse stepped out to help Mrs. Jones but she didn’t get very far. Mrs. Jones continued to insist she must see the doctor and finally emphasized her demand by grabbing a chair and sitting down.

“I want to see the doctor and I want to see him right now!” She repeated. “And I’m not going anywhere till I do!”

The nurse finally returned to the inner office, and then came back with Dr. Smith.

“Now what’s the problem, Mrs. Jones?” The doctor spoke gently as he leaned over the woman. “Your cataract surgery went fine and you seemed to be doing well. Is there a problem about that?”

“I have a complaint about your staff! It has to deal with my….” She paused and then lowered her voice as she glanced around “…my wig. I’ve always had a problem with thin hair so I had a beautiful and I may say very expensive wig made up. Then when I was here for the surgery your staff made me remove it. They said they’d take good care of it and I could have it back when I was finished.”

“Didn’t you get it back?” the doctor asked... "No! Someone must have stolen my wig because the one they returned isn’t mine. It’s off color, it’s like straw and it’s cheap looking. It’s repulsive! I want my own wig back!”

“You’re sure it’s not the wig you came in with?” Dr. Smith asked.

“Of course I’m sure! I could clearly see it wasn’t. My wig was beautiful and this one is ugly!”

“Mrs. Jones, my staff didn’t give you the wrong wig. What you got back was the one you came in with.” Dr. Smith gently responded. “But I must tell you that this shows that your cataract operation was a success."

Ideally once she got Dr. Smith’s explanation, Mrs. Jones could understand why she was confused about the wig and so can we often more totally understand why we might struggle in our Christian lives once we see God’s reasoning behind it. For while we naturally want our struggles to either end or disappear, it often makes it easier to deal with the situation when we know the reasons behind it. Is it to teach us patience that will be required for an upcoming assignment? Will we soon meet and be able to help someone with the same problem? Or is it to help us develop more faith?

It often helps when we discover God’s reasons for the difficulty because then we know we’re struggling as a part of a divine plan and not adrift in a purposeless existence. Yet even in the times when God does not reveal his reasons we can always trust that whatever they are his purposes are as perfect as he is.

I Know What I'm Doing

“Life is terrible!” Said the peasant to his local priest. “And I don’t know if I can stand it anymore.

We have nine people in my family living - in one room!”

The priest nodded in understanding for it was a familiar problem in the small village. His parishioners were mostly very poor people with large families and like this man living in small quarters.

For example, the priest knew this man lived in a small cottage with his wife, five children and his elderly parents.

The visitor was near tears. “Father, I try so hard but I can barely support my family. But we’re so crowded it’s unbearable.”

“You have animals, don’t you?” asked the Priest.

“We have a goat and a donkey,” replied the peasant.

“We get milk from the goat and have the donkey to carry firewood. But why do you ask?”

“Here’s how I would suggest you handle your problem.” The priest said. “Go home and move the goat into the house.”

The peasant was surprised. “We don’t have room for all of us and you tell me to add the goat?”

The priest nodded. “I know what I’m doing. Go home and take the goat inside and then come back in a week.”

The peasant started to protest again but the priest reassured him. “ I can understand that you’re desperate but trust me. If my idea doesn’t work then you won’t be any worse off than you are now.”

The peasant had to agree so he left, and a week later he was back.

“What happened?”

“It was terrible. The goat is filthy and smells awful.” The peasant returned. We’re miserable!”

“Good ­ I thought so,” the priest returned. “Now, here’s what you do next. Go home and put the goat back in the barn and then come back in a week.”

The peasant began to object, but the priest reassured him. “I know what I’m doing. Just do what I say.”

The confused and frustrated peasant was muttering to himself as he left but in a week when he returned he was smiling. “It’s amazing how better it is since we got rid of the goat! No smell or mess! Just the nine of us now!”

That fellow certainly found a change in his situation gave him a new insight into his problem and often God uses the same idea with us. Perhaps like with the peasant he interjects something inconvenient or unpleasant so we see our original problem with new eyes. Or he might not change the situation at all but change us so we don’t see it as a problem. Yet whatever he does or however he handles it he will do it perfectly. For as he could so properly say: “I know what I’m doing.

No Gift

Tillie ran a sponge over the seal of the last of the envelope. What a relief, she thought, to get all those cards finished! It had been a real challenge. Yet she had faced a lot of challenges recently as she settled into her new apartment at the retirement community. After all, she was 90 now and realized she couldn’t cope with her big house anymore. It had also been particularly difficult to leave her hometown as well as her many friends, especially those at her church and while she didn’t want to forget them nor did she want them to think she would forget or neglect them now that she’d moved. And in fact just today she’d remembered three of her oldest friends who just happened to have their birthdays in the same week.

And since she knew she wouldn’t be able to shop for individual presents she decided she would send a card and enclose it with a generous check.

So she spent extra time at the card shop just that morning, fingering through the racks to choose the right ones. Then she returned to her apartment to address the cards, write a personal note and then write the checks. A glance at her watch reminded her that the mail would be picked up any minute, so she quickly sealed and stamped the envelopes, and then hurried off to mail them.

Tillie was extra busy the next few days with a special activity in her community so she didn’t have time to tidy up her apartment. When she finally got her chance she straightened her bedroom and kitchen and then turning to her cluttered desk, she sorted out her recent correspondence. However, she soon discovered that stuck among some papers was the receipt from the card shop ­ and three checks! She’d been in such a hurry that she’d forgotten to put them in the cards.

Tillie dropped into the desk chair as she finally realized what had happened. For on each of the specially chosen birthday cards she had signed her name and jotted a short note. Each dear friend had received a card from her with this note: “Buy your own present!” but with no check.

That was certainly embarrassing because naturally Tillie never expected her friends to pay for what was a gift ­ and that’s exactly the same way it is with our salvation. After all, God doesn’t expect us to pay or work for the privilege of having a relationship with him because he knows it wouldn’t be possible. After all, how can a perfect sinless Deity have any contact with someone like us when we are tainted with sin? And if it’s the taint of sin that separates us from God, then how can we ever bridge the gap that keeps us apart? A great quandary, but the wonderful news is that God himself has not only provided the solution but also the way to carry it out

For if we’re tainted by sin and God can have no contact with sin, then if we could become identified with someone who does not have that taint and God accepts that identification, then he can accept us. Yet how can that happen? What would it cost? And how can anyone other than God actually accomplish all that?

And of course God is the one who performs it all. Our belief if Christ, the sinless God-man gives us that identification, allows God to accept us, a free gift and no checks necessary!

Heavenly Help

Marcie knew she’d have a problem when she saw the cabinet and the large padlock. .

The hectic morning had started when the Sunday School superintendent called to ask her to substitute for the first grade teacher who had a sick child. So leaving her husband to get the children ready, she arrived at the classroom early to set it up, but she soon realized that she lacked crayons for her young students. Someone told her that the extra supplies were kept in a large storage locker in the hall, but when she arrived she discovered the large padlock securing the cabinet. Also, there was another problem for she had not been told the combination.

A quick glance around her showed there was no one in sight, but just then she looked up to see the pastor coming around the corner.

“Pastor! Could you help me?” She caught his attention. “I need crayons for the kindergarten class and I’m told they’re in here. But it’s locked. Do you know the combination?”

The pastor halted, “Let’s see now”, he picked up the hefty lock.” I know they put this in because they wanted to keep control of who was using the supplies, but someone should have unlocked this already. But let’s see if I can remember the number.” He fingered the dial, and then swiveled it to dial two numbers.

Then he paused again and as he looked upward, his lips moved. Then after a few seconds, he turned the combination one time and the lock clicked open.

“I’m amazed at your faith, Pastor,” Marcie was amazed.

“You must have asked God to supply that final number.”

“Well, in this situation it really doesn’t take faith ­ because of that.”

He pointed upward where for the first time Marcie saw taped a strip of paper bearing the combination.

We may not have the answers to our questions posted on our ceiling but like Marcie assumed with the pastor we know the best solutions come from heaven and of course that means God.

It’s amazing how often we think we can solve our problems and difficulties on our own without his help.

We may think our solutions are ideal yet our humanity so limits our ability to see every aspect of the problem and a solution we may think is perfect now will run into unforeseen problems in the future.

However, because God is omnipotent he knows not only all aspects of the problem but the perfect solution.

Of course it’s not easy to wait and trust in him to guide us into the right path when we see a solution right away and our humanly devised solution seems so tempting. It is also very easy to fret and worry while we wait for God instead of starting off on our own, but we know he has promised his guidance in our trials and solutions for our problems.

Indeed, our answers to our quandaries may not be taped to a ceiling but at least that’s the general direction they come from.

Taking The Sting

“Let’s go, Daddy!” Joey bounced in his car seat as Jeff fastened the last strap, securing the child in the back seat, Though they were just taking a short drive to the grocery store it was special to Joey because he always enjoyed these outings with his father.

“Buzz!”

Jeff was just about to shut the car door when he heard the fearful sound and it could only mean there might be a bee in the car! He gulped in trepidation as he quickly tried to locate the deadly intruder, and at the same time he relived a similar moment just a few months before. Like this time they had heard the droning buzz as the bee swooped around the enclosed car and then Joey’s yelp as he was stung. Then before they knew it the child began to react – and within a few minutes they were on their way to the hospital.

They arrived just in time for life-surviving treatment, and to be told that such a reaction might happen again. So they had learned to always keep medicine available, but the sound of a buzzing insect always set Jeff and his wife into an immediate location and elimination of the insect.

Now Jeff was pitched into the same frenzy as he spotted the bee buzzing above the child’s head.

Snapping out a hand to grab it, as his fist closed on the insect he winced as he felt the sting before he opened his hand to shake the crushed insect to the floor of the car.

Joey stared to cry as Jeff comforted him. “There’s no bee, Joey, I caught him before he could sting you.

It’s okay, son.”

Joey looked up with a sob “No sting?”

“No, son, the bee’s gone. Daddy took the sting for you.”

Such is the meaning of Easter. Paul described it so well in writing to the believers at Corinth: “Where, O Death, is your sting? Where is your victory?” Because of His resurrection Christ has taken the sting of death and crushed a defeated foe. We need never fear it again.

The Scars

The courtroom was hushed as all eyes turned to see what Johnny would say. From where he stood beside the judge he scanned the assembled crowd and then bowed his head with tears in his eyes. It was such a hard decision. Who would be his new foster father? Who would raise him?

Those who watched and knew the story also felt tears because they could sympathize as they remembered what had happened.

Johnny’s memories were very real. Just a few months before he had been happy and content living with his grandmother in the big house where he’d known only love since his parents had both died a few years before. They never thought much about the large trust fund he’d inherited from his parents yet that was part of the reason why he was in court at the moment.

However, the pleasant life in the big house had come to an abrupt halt when a raging fire had started in the kitchen and roared through the old wooden structure. Asleep in her room, Grandmother never woke up, but Johnny awakened to find the smoke and fire outside his bedroom door. He hurled the window open to see the firefighters, alerted by neighbors, were already hard at work in what would prove a futile attempt to save the house, but they immediately noticed Johnny as he appeared at the window.

Just then Johnny turned in horror to see the door behind him bending from the onrushing flames – a sign that scared him enough to scream for rescue. Below necks craned and upward as they shouted to the boy to stay put, but only one man acted. A quick glance told him that it was too far up for Johnny to survive a jump, and he knew that the small fire department didn’t have a ladder that would reach him. He had to take a chance.

Though he wasn’t sure if it was strong enough to hold him, the man began a scramble up the drainpipe. Inch by inch, hand over hand, the man ascended. As below the crowd shouted encouragement to boy and rescuer, Then as the man came up to the window Johnny leaned out to meet him and then scream as a flame licked at his feet, and caught on the hem of his nightshirt.

Bracing himself as best he could on the windowsill, the man beat out the flames with his hands and at the same time pulled Johnny to him. The boy shifted to the man’s back, and they resumed their descent.

The crowd below was almost silent until there came a crack, and the drainpipe ripped loose, spilling the man and Johnny on the ground. Then they surged up to help and within minutes the boy and his rescuer were in an ambulance on their way to medical treatment.

Back in the courtroom Johnny still looked down as he remembered that night of horror and danger, then the loving hands that had cared for him as he recovered from a few minor injuries and the death of his grandmother. He learned his rescuer was in the hospital with bandaged hands and arms and a cast on his broken leg, and as they visited the two became close

Still there was a nagging concern. Who would now raise Johnny? And at the same time who would manage his trust fund? There were several volunteers - prominent local citizens who expressed their devotion to Johnny and asserted their suitability to be his guardian. Yet were these men more interested in managing the trust fund than providing a loving home for a grieving boy?

Since Grandmother had made no will or provision for a guardian a local judge would need to hold hearing to decide who it would be. When the day finally came, the judge decided to ask Johnny if he had a preference.

So there in the courtroom Johnny stood beside the judge and scanned the half dozen potential guardians.

He was an intelligent and sensitive boy who had already experienced a great deal of sorrow in his short life, and now he had to help make a decision that would affect him for many years.

Just then there came a movement through the crowd of spectators as a newcomer came forward to stand before the judge and the boy. He said nothing but just extended his hands toward Johnny. The mottled blue and pink ripples there were so unmistakable that the judge and the others gaped in amazement. Then Johnny took a tentative step toward, then another as he broke into tears, and raced down to embrace the man who had saved his life. The other claimants shook their heads in disappointment, and turned away. The decision was made – because the scarred hands settled the issue.

There is much in this world that demands our notice, and in the midst of it all is the call of one whose scarred hands remind us of he liberated us from sin and the death it brings. Those hands are outstretched to all of us – scars and all.

Knowing Who

Frank leaned against the table in the church vestibule and grimaced as he looked around at the incoming crowds. Why had he even volunteered to be an usher? He’d either been caught in a weak moment or been crazy when he accepted. How could he be pleasant and welcoming to a church that he really didn’t like? He’d been thinking about leaving but now he felt trapped.

He was still commiserating about the situation when he looked up to see a new arrival, an elderly woman in a dark suit, and with a flowery hat. He reluctantly offered a program.

“Would you show me where to sit?” The voice was soft. “This is my first time here.”

Frank shuffled slightly as he led the way into the sanctuary. “Did you have a preference?” He mumbled.

“Could I sit in the front row? I’m anxious to hear the sermon.”

Frank sniffed. “Oh, I don’t think you’d like to do that. You’d be better off in the back. Our pastor’s awfully boring.”

The woman stiffened and halted. “Do you know who I am?”

Frank shook his head.

“I’m the pastor’s mother!” The lady snapped.

Frank gulped. “Do you know who I am?”

The other glared at him. “No!”

Frank’s voice had a note of relief. “Good!” And he beat a hasty retreat!

Even though Frank didn’t know his visitor that would never happen with God. For what is not only reassuring but also even somewhat humanly incomprehensible is that the Creator of the universe knows each of us even better than we know ourselves. And not only does he know us so well that through his omnipotence and omnipresence he knows not just our past and present but our future. He certainly knows who we are and he has wonderful individually designed plans for each of us.

Obviously the fact that Frank didn’t know his visitor proved unfortunate but we need never worry about God never know us and all our needs and desires.

Unquestioned Admittance

“This will be the first time I’ve ever been on the base are you?” Shirley asked Ted as they got in the car. “Will they let me in?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Ted started the car. “It’s not a problem.”

“But you’re not even in uniform.” Shirley pointed out.

“Don’t worry about it.” Ted smiled.

“But…”

“Look,” Ted glanced at Shirley and then back at the road. “Honestly, there isn’t a problem with getting you on the base.”

“But the wedding isn’t for a couple of weeks and I don’t have an ID card yet.” Shirley returned.

“Just don’t worry about it.” Ted told her again as they drove up to the guardhouse at the entrance of the base. Shirley was tempted to duck down out of sight in the seat but before she could, the crisply uniformed guard snapped to attention. Then he snapped into a smart salute as Ted drove by.

“I told you it wouldn’t be a problem.” Ted grinned at her as they drove up to the base grocery store a few minutes later.

But Shirley still had questions. “How come they didn’t stop you and ask about me? And why did that guard salute you?”

Ted pointed to a sticker on the front bumper of his car. “That’s what they issue to army officers. The guard saw that and saluted. You didn’t need any kind of clearance because you were with me.”

Just as Shirley got into the base because she was with Ted so do we access all God has for us because we’re with and in Christ. On our own we have no right to expect God would ever grant us eternal life or even have anything to do with us since our sinful human condition precludes all that. However, with our belief in Christ we become identified in Him and because we are “in Christ” (Eph. 2:6) then not only can we have a relationship with God but eternal life as well.

Assigning the Solution

Coach Bob leaned down to speak directly to one of the young players in his boys’ baseball team. “Okay, Johnny, the game’s tied here and I’m going to need your help.”

Johnny listened intently. “Okay, Coach.”

“Now we’ve talked about how important it is for the team to work together, right?”

“Yes, Coach.”

“And you know that whether we win or lose here we’re still going to be good sports,

“Yes, sir.”

“Now suppose you strike out, or you’re tagged out you don’t throw a fit, right?”

“No, sir.”

“And you don’t yell or use bad words at the umpire.”

“No, sir.”

“You understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes, sir!”

Coach Bob nodded. Good ­ I’m glad you understand. Now go over there and explain it to your mother.”

Bob obviously had a problem but when you think about actually opinionated mothers at a child’s baseball game have a great deal in common with the self guided Christian who thinks he’s helping God. Sounds silly, but it’s true and the common factor is how they’re both sure their way is best and aren’t prone to consider any other. However, there is one difference. For while the problem mother may just prevent her son from having a good team experience, a self assured Christian insisting on his own way can actually miss out on working for God.

Since our own ways seem so perfect to us, it’s always tempting to follow our own plans for serving God. However when we do our plans usually never work out because we fail to anticipate problems along the way - difficulties God knew all about all along. Of course if we’d let God guide us and had waited for his direction then we could deal with any troubles that arise because he not only knew about them but provided solutions to them. Do we follow our own ideas of God’s? Our way or his? Is it really such a hard choice?

The God Who Does It All

Half way down the center aisle of the plane, Harry glanced at the seat number. There it was ­ 15B. He slipped his carry on bag under the seat in front and then dropped into the seat. Then as he got settled he became aware of the man occupying the seat next to him.

He was a small man with gray hair, a lined face and clad in an open necked shirt. Rather non descript, Harry thought, until he saw what the man was reading. A big black book that was unmistakably a Bible. Harry silently groaned.

Harry smiled a bit as he wondered if he’d play his usual game of trying to refute the beliefs of these simple Bible-thumpers. Oh, they never actually bothered him, but it was that he just couldn’t resist challenging them on their belief in the Bible. After all, Harry considered himself an educated man and because he was he couldn’t understand why anyone would want to cling to such unproven old-fashioned superstition. To be sure, he’d read the Bible so he could know what they believed but it only showed him how unbelievable it was.

Of course Harry didn’t purposely seek out Christians he could refute, yet if he had a chance he relished the opportunity. The man next to Harry had nodded a greeting and returned to his reading but as he sensed Harry’s steady gaze he looked up.

“What part are you reading?” Harry asked.

“Exodus.” The man responded. “About Moses. He’s really my favorite character. Are you familiar with the Bible stories?”

Harry nodded. He was sure that the other guy thought he was someone who was either a believer, or someone who was genuinely curious about the Bible. If this was so then Harry was ready to talk ­ but he wouldn’t be saying what the guy was expecting! In just a few minutes the guy would be revealed as the stupid dolt he was.

“Oh, yes, I’ve read it. Always thought it was interesting about how Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea.”

“Oh, yes, God separated the waters and the Israelites walked across on dry ground.”

Harry’s smile was becoming a smirk. “How can you be sure it happened that way - that the waters were separated like that? I’ve read that at that location the Red Sea is only 10 inches deep. They could have waded across!”

The smile on the other man gradually faded and he turned to look out the window.

Harry smiled and settled back in his seat. He’d made his point and silenced the enemy!

Yet after another few seconds he realized the man next to him, while still looking out the window, was starting to chuckle. Soon he was shaking with silent laughter.

“Okay ­ what’s so funny?” Harry asked.

The other man turned back. “It’s what you said - about how the Israelites could have waded across the Red Sea because it was only ten inches deep.”

“Well, what of it? I think that eliminates any possibility of there being anything miraculous about their crossing the Red Sea. Just ten inches ­ no need for any figment of the imagination to push the waters back.” Harry scoffed. “Didn’t need God ­ if he even exists!”

The other stopped laughing and smiled again. “Then if what you said then I think it’s very interesting that God drowned the Egyptian army in 10 inches of water!”

Though the world may scoff, God’s power and provision are irrefutable.

Building Fences

“I’m a skilled workman,” said the man at Jerry’s door. “I have my own tools and I’ll do about anything you have around your farm.”

Jerry thought a moment, and then a slight smile came to his lips. “I’ve got just the job for you. Come take a look.”

He led the worker down off the porch and pointed down the hill. “See that farm there? That’s my neighbor – well, actually he’s my brother but we’ve … well, we’ve not been getting along, and just the other day he did something that really made me mad. He took his tractor and widened a little ditch in the pasture that formed the boundary line between our properties. It had just been a foot or so deep but he dug it so that water’s poured in and now it’s almost a river. I don’t know if he was trying to spite me or what but I’m going to go him one better. I want you to build me a fence on my side of that river.” Jerry pointed toward his barn. “I’ve got lumber and anything you might need over there and I want you to make it so tall I don’t have to see him or his place. That’ll cool him down I guess.”

The workman shaded his eyes and scanned the pasture. He nodded slowly. “I think I understand the situation. I’m sure I can do a job that pleases you.”

As Jerry returned to the house, and the workman set off to look over the worksite Jerry got to thinking. What had happened? Why had it even come to this? .

Twenty years ago they had established their neighboring farms when they split the family property at their father’s death. Jerry and Joe had built their own farm homes, but they still worked very closely together. In fact it seemed like it was only one farm since for many years they had shared farm machinery, helped each other with their livestock and even worked on the other’s farm when necessary.

Then something happened. Jerry wasn’t exactly sure when it was or even what it was, but they had become estranged. Though Jerry was sure it was Joe’s fault, neither would acknowledge a fault much less apologize to the other. There were bitter words and even deeper bitter feelings and before they knew it Jerry and Joe were not speaking to each other.

Finally, it had come to the point where Jerry couldn’t even bear to come out on his porch and looked across the pasture to Joy’s house because it reminded him of the situation. Then when the workman had come looking for work Jerry had suddenly decided on the fence. It was the perfect solution! Now he wouldn’t have to look at Joe’s house and he could try to forget the problem.

Yet as he closed the door in smug satisfaction he felt a twinge he couldn’t quite identify. Was he really happy with the alienation? No matter what Joe had done – or hadn’t done - was it really worth it to live like this? .

Just then the workman was at the door. “I’ve found the equipment and I have what I need. Okay if I come back tomorrow morning and get started?”

“That’s fine,” Jerry told him, “I have to leave early tomorrow and go to town to take care of some business. I’ll be gone all day.”

“I’ll be finished by the time you get back” The workman assured him.

The next evening Jerry returned to the house and then he hurried down to the pasture. However, he soon discovered that while the workman had completed the job it was not what he’d expected

The workman was standing beside the creek but thee was no fence but instead a bridge - a beautiful structure with braces, supports and a handrail spanning the water. And there on the other side was Joe who had now started across the newly built bridge with an outstretched hand.

Something nudged Jerry forward and each heavy step got lighter and lighter as he found himself on the bridge grasping Joe’s hand.

“You’re the best brother a guy could have. To have this bridge built and particularly after all I said and did.” Joe’s voice shook with emotion. “What made you think about it?”

Jerry turned to the workman who was now snapping the catch on his toolbox.

“You’re got to stay!” Jerry turned to the man We can find other work for you on both farms!”

“I’ve got lots of jobs for you, too. “Joe said but the man smiled and shook his head.

“No, I’d love to say but I have other bridges to build.”

How about you? Do you have any bridges you need to build?

The Boss' Voice

Three weeks after I started my new job I was assigned switchboard duty while the regular receptionist was at lunch. Mentally rehearsing the routine, I sat at the front desk, staring at the phone.

I t had been an anxious three weeks since I had joined the staff of the large church as secretary of the administrator. I survived the initial interview with him and also with the senior minister, Dr. Walter Underwood, then settled into the job. I was proud to be on the staff of this church, one of the larger churches in my denomination, with a multi-clergy staff, many other staffers and many prominent members. And now I was answering the phones.

Just then the phone rang, shaking me out of my reverie. I jumped, then scooped up the receiver and gave the name of the church.

“Did you beep me?”

Though the voice was vaguely familiar I couldn’t immediately place the speaker. I made a mental inventory. Beep? That meant a pager and who had pagers? The ministers who visited the hospitals? No, and it wasn’t the administrator. So who was it?

Of course I probably should have said something like “Who’s calling, please?” I should have, but what came out was: “Who are you?”

The answer was short. “Walter.”

Oops! The boss! With a sense of panic I hit the button to connect him to his secretary and sat there in a sense of trepidation. Surely this would be my last day! After all, it’s just not a good idea to not recognize the boss’s voice!

Sometimes I have the same problem in my spiritual life when I don’t recognize the voice of my real boss ­ God. Of course I know he doesn’t speak audibly but he does communicate with me in various ways to guide, correct or even to reassure. He might do it through something someone says, or from his Word or through events, but no matter how he does it I won’t “hear” him unless I want to and I’m listening.

Of course I’ve discovered that I never really accomplish anything or get anywhere if I refuse to be aware of his contacts and the only way to solve anything is to forget trying to do it on my own. Yet it’s got to be automatic ­ when I decide to try it his way then I have to open my ears and be alert for the Boss’ voice.

Immersed In The Subject

“We’ll get there as soon as we can.” The plumber had told Tony when he first called about the leak in the basement pipe. Tony had tried without success to find the shut off valve but this was a new house and he wasn’t familiar with where it was. So for what seemed like hours, Tony watched what started with a trickle and then turn into a regular flow as the water streamed down the wall and onto the floor. .

“Anyone home?” Came the voice from the back door at the top of the basement steps and Tony sloshed over to go upstairs to let in the plumber.

Once he saw the situation the plumber found the problem and cut off the flow, but once that was done he figured that a conciliatory and contrite attitude would be the best tactic to handle an evidently irate customer. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t get away!” He said. “The last job took longer than I thought it would. I hope you weren’t inconvenienced.”

Tony sniffed. “Oh, no, I’ve had a wonderful time waiting for you. In fact I even accomplished something I’d never had time for ­ I learned to swim!”

That guy certainly had a problem but at least he learned something from the experience ­ and on my spiritual journey I’ve discovered that I can do the same thing when I have to struggle.

When I have a problem I have a choice ­ I can commiserate and mope or I can use it as an opportunity to learn. Why has this happened? Does God have a purpose for me? If so, what is it? Is he trying to teach me something I couldn’t learn otherwise? For example if he wants me to learn to trust him what better lesson than give me a problem where the only way to handle it is by trusting him?

So how do I learn this or any other lesson? It all depends on how I respond. Do I learn my lesson and go on to glorify him or do I fail to learn and go back to school until I do?

Unaccessed

“This thing doesn’t work.” Farmer Jones told Ted as he thumped the box containing the chain saw on the counter of the country hardware store. “I want my money back and I want you to fire that guy who sold it to me! He didn’t know what he was taking about!”

Storeowner Ted tried to smile. “Fred’s my only employee so he must be the one you mean. But tell me what happened and what he said.”

“Okay, I came in here several days ago and I talked to this guy – Fred you called him. I told him I had some acres of brush I want to clear and he said I needed this chain saw. I told him I’d never used one before but he said it was easy.”

“What else did he tell you?” Ted asked.

“He said he had several customers who’d bought it and they were really satisfied and then he guaranteed that it would cut down five trees an hour. So I bought it. But when I started to use it I couldn’t even cut down one tree! I want my money back and I want you to fire him for lying to me!”

“Well, we’ll talk about Fred later, but right now let’s check out the saw.” Ted took it out of the box. “It’s one of our best sellers and like Fred said it’s supposed to cut down at least 5 small trees in a day.” He hefted the chain saw up and gave the startup cord a tug. The motor kicked in with a throbbing roar that filled the small shop.

Farmer Jones stepped back in shocked surprise. “What’s that noise?”

That fellow apparently didn’t fully understand or utilize all he had available to him and sometimes I’ve discovered that I have the same problem in my spiritual journey. This usually happens when I have a confusing difficulty or an ongoing problem and try to solve it myself instead of relying on God’s power and ability. Unfortunately, I often tend to forget that my solutions and remedies, so limited by my imperfect humanity, are never the equal of his perfect answers. However, while all this is happening God doesn’t interfere in my fruitless attempts until I finally realize I’m not accomplishing anything on my own. For it’s only when I forget my own answers and allow him to demonstrate and implement his solutions that I have unlimited access to all he is and does.

The Right Kind of Help

Professor Smith shut down his computer and turned away from it, wrought with concern about his latest quandary. It concerned a problem with the upcoming final exam he’d just finished preparing..

He’d always tried so hard to make up fair but challenging exams for his classes. By doing so he wanted to not only test them on their knowledge but also to expand their ability to think in other areas of life. He knew to be successful in his course they needed to apply themselves. Yet there were always those who wanted to do it the easy way. In short, though he didn’t know how they were doing it, he was sure some of his students were cheating.

He couldn’t explain it any other for though their class attendance was haphazard, they had made almost perfect grades on all the weekly tests. It was so different from some of his other students who tried so hard, who still only made average grades but who refused to learn dishonestly. So what should he do about the cheaters? His solution lay in the few lines he had added to the bottom of the test.

Two days later, when he stepped up to the lectern at the front of the classroom, before he distributed the test, Professor Smith made his announcement.

“I always assumed that the majority of my students want to learn this material and be honestly tested on it. However, I have come to believe there are a handful who want to take the easy way out and cheat. So because of this I am asking each of you to sign the statement I have placed at the bottom of the test. I am appealing to your sense of honesty to not only sign the statement but to be truthful when you do so. You may begin the test.”

That evening as he sat down to correct the tests, Professor Smith first flipped through them. He wanted to make sure everyone had signed the statement that read: “I pledge on my honor that I have not received any help during this test and that I have given no help to anyone else.”

He soon realized everyone had signed the pledge – even the suspected cheaters. Had he failed in appealing to their sense of honesty? It seemed he had, but he could only hope that somewhere later in their academic career they’d learn better.

Still, he wondered, was there really such a thing as an honest student? Someone who refused to be dishonest and earn just an average grade even though he could probably cheat and get a higher grade?

Then after Professor Smith finished grading the tests, he once again flipped through them and as he did so he noticed something at the bottom of one test. It belonged to a hard working but average student. Professor Smith smiled a bit in relief when he saw the student had written beneath the signed pledge: “I didn’t get any help on this test and the Lord knows I couldn’t give any!”

Did you ever feel frustrated and powerless like that, especially when you’re struggling with a problem and wondering why? It’s a natural feeling, but since we know God always has a purpose for our challenges sometimes when we’re aware of his reasons it helps us cope with the problem. And sometimes one of his reasons may be that he intends for us to help someone with the same problem. Even though you might be stressed and harassed with your difficulty you may yet be the perfect example or source of information to someone else.

But how could you do that? Think about it. When you’re coping with something and want advice and encouragement, who do you ask? Someone who’s had the same difficulty and overcome it or someone who’s never struggled like you have? The choice is natural.

After all, when you have learned to trust God for your difficulty, then can tell others about your experience and thus encourage them. And when we can do that it can indeed be a humbling experience when we work with God to his glory and our benefit.

Skipping The Keys

Horatio came into the front lobby of the small country inn and nodded to the innkeeper behind the front desk. “Good evening,” he said. However, the proprietor didn’t even bother to even look up.

Horatio shrugged, resolving that he wasn’t going to let a grouchy innkeeper get to him. . After all, he was there for a rest. He looked around the lobby and since he knew the dining room wouldn’t be open for a while he decided to look into the nearby lounge.

The room was simply furnished, with a couch and two overstuffed chairs but then he noticed a dusty spinet piano in a corner. A natural urge took him over to sit down at the adjacent bench. Natural because that was his profession – but the small instrument was definitely a great contrast to the great grand pianos Horatio usually played and the deserted lounge was also far different from the concert halls that were his usual venue.

However, it was actually those concerts that were the reason why he was there.

“You’ve been under a lot of stress recently so you need to get away,” the doctor had told him just a few weeks before, “With your blood pressure as high as it is you’re in line for a coronary. You need to get away from the concert schedule and from the crowds. I want you to go where there’s no stress – maybe somewhere where no one’s ever heard your concerts or seen you on TV.”

As he arrived, Horatio was sure he had found such a place because when he checked in at the inn, using his real name, the innkeeper barely glanced at the card and merely asked for his money.

Now sitting at the piano, Horatio flipped back the keyboard cover and pressed two of the chipped and stained keys. From one came a sour note and from the other no sound at all.

Undeterred, Horatio played a part of his most recent concert repertoire – a sonata that had won great applause. He continued to finger the keys, and what had been majestic on the concert grand came out as a series of clinks and plinks.

Horatio slowly closed the keyboard and with a deep breath got to his feet, angered at the frustration of such an out of tune instrument, Then he caught himself, telling himself to relax. It would serve no purpose to get angry. No, better to forget it. Anyway, it was probably nearly time for dinner.

Then as he passed through the lobby and saw the innkeeper still at the front desk he paused a moment.

“Did you know your piano in there is dreadfully out of tune?”

“So? How would you know?” The man snapped.

“I tried to play it and not only is it out of tune but some keys are stuck and others sounded no note at all.”

“So what of it?” The innkeeper growled. “If you were a good enough piano player you could just skip those keys and it wouldn’t matter!”

Of course skipping the faulty keys would not solve the problem and certainly not assure a proper rendition of the piece, and it’s often the same on my spiritual journey when I try to skip over some aspect of a God-given task. It might be that I try to do it my own way instead of his, or even change some aspect of the task that suits me better. However, of course it never works since his plans are perfect and mine are not and it only hampers the completion of his task

So I must return to his perfect plan, do it the way he directs, and the result will be for his glory and my benefit. Indeed, God’s plan is for me to play the piece as he designs, complete with all the keys!

In Good Taste

Could Miss Fifi actually be as refined and cultured as she seemed to be?

Mr. Jones watched her closely from his seat in the restaurant and wondered if he’d finally found the girl of his dreams. He’d been searching so long. He’d taken out so many young ladies – and for what? All to find the most perfect companion possible. Was that wrong? After all, he prided himself on being the perfect gentleman and he reasoned that it was only logical that he would want to find a perfect lady. However, that had been difficult and up till then all his dates all seemed to have some flaw.

There had been a variety of reasons to reject each one – it might be a slip in manners, or a fault in dress or something else but they had proved themselves unworthy to him and that was the end of that. But now as he glanced up at Miss Fifi he was deeply impressed but still a bit worried. How would she measure up?

Was her apparent refined culture only a phony façade? Would it crack to reveal someone far different? Surely not! She seemed so perfect! For not only was she startlingly beautiful, she was also impeccably groomed, had perfect manners and just seemed to be the epitome of culture and perfection.

The waiter arrived to take their orders, and then as they chatted further Mr. Jones was even more impressed. Not only was very intelligent, she was also well informed on many topics. Could it be that this faultless cultured exterior was her true character?

As the evening progressed, Mr. Jones gradually became enraptured and even a bit relieved that he had finally found a young lady who was all he wanted. Finally the dinner ended, and the waiter returned.

“Would you like some coffee?” Mr. Jones asked.

“Oh, if you don’t mind, I’d really rather have tea,” she said in her soft voice. “I really prefer it. When I sip tea, I’m transported off to the misty mountains of the east where delicate girls pluck the leaves at just the point of ripeness and where the white winged clipper ships swiftly skim the waves as they carry the tea to market.” She emerged from her reverie as she continued. “On the other hand, coffee makes me burp.”

Just as Mr. Jones learned that even perfection has its moments of reality, so do we often discover the same thing as we descend from a “mountain top experience” or a “spiritual high.” It often occurs when we realize God has helped and supported us through a difficult struggle, but no matter how it happens we feel reassured with a new realization of God’s presence. Yet for every “high” there’s usually a “low” and that means we have to return to the valley of reality and real life.

Of course it’s natural to want to stay on that “mountain” and bask in the glow and joy we find there but God’s challenges and opportunities lie in the valleys of life. It’s true that those “spiritual highs” can inspire us for his work but they can’t encompass our entire spiritual experience. So meet God on the mountaintop but don’t forget to follow him back to the valley where work truly lies!

Looking Beyond The Ordinary

From the passenger seat Teresa glanced over at her husband who was driving. Already he seemed to have relaxed, which was of course the reason why she had suggested they take this little weekend trip through the mountains. She herself had already forgotten the bustle of their usual routine and was now enjoying the vistas of rolling verdant hills with quaint cabins hugging their crests.

Then the car mounted the top of a hill where they could see before them was spread a scenic valley. John slowed the car and pulled off the road so they could get out and enjoy the view. From the top of the hill they were enthralled at the sight of what seemed like a toy village far below them was surrounded by rolling fields.

“Wow – what a beautiful view!” John said softly.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we could build a house here and see this all the time?” Teresa said wistfully.

“Looks like someone else had the same idea.” John pointed up to where a house was perched on the edge of the hill. “I bet from the way that house is placed those people can see the entire valley. I wonder if they might have designed it that way.”

“I think you can find out,” Teresa nodded toward a man who was approaching.

“Anything wrong, folks?” The man asked them as he came up. “I saw you pull over.”

“We were just driving by and had pulled over to enjoy the view. Is that your house up there?”

“Sure is.” The pride was obvious in the man’s beaming smile. “I was lucky to find that piece of land. It was just what I wanted.”

“It’s a beautiful home,” Teresa said. “And built in such a great place!”

“Yes, we’re proud of it,” replied the homeowner. “Of course it did take a lot of planning to get it this way. Now I have the best TV reception in the county!”

Sometimes we can be like that fellow when we concentrate so much on our everyday routine that we’re unaware of God’s creation and other aspects of his presence around us. Yet what’s interesting is that while we are generally aware of major events and provision, it’s the small and intangible that we don’t notice. So often, we overlook what some would call ordinary, such as the beauty of a sunset or sunrise, the gentle innocence of a child, or the steadfast faithfulness of a friend or loved one.

Unfortunately, while we don’t always notice these immaterial blessings until we sense their absence, it’s really not difficult to be consistently aware of all God provides no matter what it is. All it takes is a consistent awareness of his presence and provision.