I've been banished to the hallway today. Workmen are here replacing the window in my office. They've made some interesting discoveries as they've taken the old window out and cleaned up the opening to make way for the new. Laying on the concrete under the window was half of a computer punch card (imagine having to go back to punch cards for inventory control) with the original window manufacturers name on it. Of course there were countless bug carcasses, some asbestos insulation and other assorted things that come with every remodeling project.
Among the other things that struck me though was the difficulty the workmen had in removing the old window frame, nails and other hardware. It has been about 50 years since all of that was put in place, so I guess it shouldn't be any real surprise that it was hard to do.
As I watch the progress and process I can't help but see the spiritual application. In our own lives the Lord is doing some remodeling. But in order for the improved version to be installed the old has to be taken out. That presents some real problems as we are faced with the difficulty of getting rid of old habits, moving impacted thoughts and ideas out of the way and running into all kinds of surprises that we never expected to see again.
But in the skilled hands of the Redeemer and Creator, our new lives begin to take shape. While He finds use for some of the old pieces most have to be completely replaced with new ones. Amazingly, once He has finished His work we are much better at accomplishing the purpose we were designed to accomplish.
I continue to be amazed at how God works on me to make me the most useful I can be. Through constant refining, rebuilding and renewal He is amoving me toward perfection that will be realized when Jesus comes back.
Thank you Lord for making me a new person. Continue to work on me so that I can accomplish Your purpose in my life through Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Unanswered Questions
A very dear friends daughter had a thyroidectomy yesterday. She is 22 years old with the singing voice of an angel. Her education is taking her on a track toward becoming a premier choir director. Her giving attitude provides the people around her with encouragment in the most difficult of days.
When the surgery was all said and done, the diagnosis came back with a body blow to this loving Christian family. That's right...cancer. While the prognosis is very good...and her vocal chords are all in top shape with no damage...the question still lingers with no seemingly appropriate answer. Why her? Why would this amazingly talented, young Christian woman have to face a battle with cancer? Why does this family have to go through yet another trial...at a time when life is dealing them days that are difficult as it is? Of course, the extension of that question is...why does anyone that is living a life that is full of service to others and a focus on the Lord have bad things happen to them?
Yes, yes, yes...I know the standard Sunday school answer. But that's not enough for comfort for a family that is going through it! That's not enough for the emotion filled father of a promising young musician who is facing a battle with cancer. It's not a good enough answer for the husband who is now faced with raising his toddler children without their mother who died from complications to ALS.
Why? That's the question we all ask. We demand and answer! We expect to hear a booming, logical, passionate answer. Instead what we get is a reminder that the "why" may not satisfy. What we hear is the stark reality of "what's next".
So I will continue to ponder. I will continue to ask. And yes, I will continue to hear Jesus Christ utter, "My God, my God, WHY have You forsaken me?!"
When the surgery was all said and done, the diagnosis came back with a body blow to this loving Christian family. That's right...cancer. While the prognosis is very good...and her vocal chords are all in top shape with no damage...the question still lingers with no seemingly appropriate answer. Why her? Why would this amazingly talented, young Christian woman have to face a battle with cancer? Why does this family have to go through yet another trial...at a time when life is dealing them days that are difficult as it is? Of course, the extension of that question is...why does anyone that is living a life that is full of service to others and a focus on the Lord have bad things happen to them?
Yes, yes, yes...I know the standard Sunday school answer. But that's not enough for comfort for a family that is going through it! That's not enough for the emotion filled father of a promising young musician who is facing a battle with cancer. It's not a good enough answer for the husband who is now faced with raising his toddler children without their mother who died from complications to ALS.
Why? That's the question we all ask. We demand and answer! We expect to hear a booming, logical, passionate answer. Instead what we get is a reminder that the "why" may not satisfy. What we hear is the stark reality of "what's next".
So I will continue to ponder. I will continue to ask. And yes, I will continue to hear Jesus Christ utter, "My God, my God, WHY have You forsaken me?!"
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Freedom
With the impending 4th of July holiday on our doorstep, I can't help but think about the cost of freedom. From the standpoint of a Patriot there are almost countless names that line the tombstones of graveyards that represent that ultimate sacrifice. From brave men and women who lost their lives in combat to brave men and women who set aside their lives so they could fight for a cause they believed in...the cost is staggering.
What that price bought was the ability to live in relative peace, comfort and happiness, pursuing the ideals of 18th century gentlemen who had experienced life at it's worst. Today we enjoy soaring gas prices...but have the means to fill our tanks. We moan at the tax bills...but are protected by the very government we pay. We curse the potholes but recognize they are from forces of nature instead of craters of war.
At the risk of making more out of the cost of freedom than I should, we must remember that, while our political freedom continues to require selfless sacrifice on the part of humans, our spiritual freedom was bought with the blood of God. No higher price has ever been paid...and none will ever match it. The agony of fathers and mothers who bury their brave offspring can't begin to compare with the pain felt by our Creator in having to sacrifice Himself so that we could be free from bondage to Satan and self.
We cannot afford to forget the price of freedom, whether political or spiritual...for when we do we are doomed to slavery.
What that price bought was the ability to live in relative peace, comfort and happiness, pursuing the ideals of 18th century gentlemen who had experienced life at it's worst. Today we enjoy soaring gas prices...but have the means to fill our tanks. We moan at the tax bills...but are protected by the very government we pay. We curse the potholes but recognize they are from forces of nature instead of craters of war.
At the risk of making more out of the cost of freedom than I should, we must remember that, while our political freedom continues to require selfless sacrifice on the part of humans, our spiritual freedom was bought with the blood of God. No higher price has ever been paid...and none will ever match it. The agony of fathers and mothers who bury their brave offspring can't begin to compare with the pain felt by our Creator in having to sacrifice Himself so that we could be free from bondage to Satan and self.
We cannot afford to forget the price of freedom, whether political or spiritual...for when we do we are doomed to slavery.
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