Oh How I Treasure, Our Quiet Times Together

Oh How I Treasure, Our Quiet Times Together

My early morning times with God are always special to me. The in between dark of night and light of morning, the quiet being broken through by the chirping birds, the kitchen lights of neighbors going on as they prepare for their work day…it all seems so sacred.  I was remembering the various places I celebrated this sacred time; at the beach, at camp, at West River, in my many homes. I especially treasure the out door celebrations, listening and watching nature celebrate its re-creation every day and immersing myself in it as I became one with all of it. 

I miss that oneness as the years have made me more suited to the creature comforts of a bed instead of the ground, air conditioning instead of a cool morning breeze, and an electric stove instead of a crisp morning fire.  My body is old and frail and demands more attention to comfort.  But my soul is ageless and longs for the oneness of creation on its terms.

It is in these early mornings that I feel closest to You.  Before the events of the day begin, I sit with You in silence and I feel present in Your Presence.  Sometimes we speak; often we don’t, simply enjoying the communion.  All the questions, all the petitions, all the theology, all the religious acts are no where to be found during these morning times.  It’s just Presence…Yours and mine, and it is precious.  

WHAT DO PEOPLE REALLY NEED?

WHAT DO PEOPLE REALLY NEED?

Mark 11, 12

The chief priests, scribes, and elders of the religious system “were afraid of the people; feared the people.”  They knew that Jesus “was true and did not care about anyone’s opinion; not swayed by appearances but truly taught the way of God.”  In the end they gave Jesus over to the people and they killed him.

Are not the churches of today doing the same thing?  Those in authority want numbers and to fill their buildings, and to do that they offer the people what the people say they need and want.  Often it seems like their needs are the ways of the world, only dressed up in religious garb.  People aren’t going to say or think they need to die to self, give everything away, or truly obey the laws of God.  They resemble the rich young man who said, “all these things I have kept from my youth” but was told by Jesus, “you lack one thing; go and sell all that you have.”

Good parents don’t ask their children what they need.  They, in good authority, give their children what they know their children need so that they will grow into healthy and whole adults.  Good churches would be wise to follow that pattern.  Fear of losing members or offending people is a terrible motivation and ends poorly in the long term.

People today, as always, need to be “truly taught the way of God.”  That way is not the most traveled way, not the most popular way, and not paved by human opinion.  It is narrow and it leads to death of self.  But in the end it provides a selfless self, is enriched by the love and laws of God, and leads to God himself, who is the one and only true need of us all.

It is time for the churches to stand tall, in truth, and fearlessly teach the way of God.  People’s eternal souls depend on it.

Just Look Around You

JUST LOOK AROUND YOU

God is mysterious

But not aloof

Just look around

And see the proof

He’s all around us everyday

He’s always there

To show the Way.

He’s not a bully

He won’t barge through

But he is patient

He waits for you

To stop all the rustling, stop the race

To sit awhile

And seek his face.

So come away

And rest awhile

Open your eyes

Enjoy his smile

His love is real

His love is deep

Your precious soul

He’ll always keep

Safe from danger

Safe from harm

He’ll hold you tightly

In his arms

God is mysterious

He’s not aloof

Just look around

And see the Truth.

OUT OF MY AM-NESS

“And Jesus charged them to tell no one…” (Mark 7:36).  “And Jesus sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation seek a sign?”(Mark 8:12).  These verses remind me of Carrie Newcomer’s song, Geodes.  “And when my life on earth is through, it’s what I AM not what I DO.” 

God wants a simple loving relationship with his children.  That is what I was created for.  It’s not the healing, the casting out of unclean spirits, or the answered prayers.  It’s HIM and me IN HIM that is the desire of God’s heart and is also my desire.  I try so hard at doing what I think I need to do and yet always seem to fall short.  It just doesn’t work that way. When I give up the obsession to be the best Christian, the best example of Jesus to the world, then I am. Out of that ‘am-ness’ I do what needs to be done out of a simple and pure love of him.  And I believe that is where he wants me.

Relationship is a response, not a fulfilling of requirements.  It is a response to an incredible love.  A loving response will fulfill the requirements in the spirit they were meant to be fulfilled. So simple!  It’s that way with people too. The more I simply respond, the less I try, the more I do.