Digging Deeper

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
- John 10: 7-10

Deciding to make a permanent shelter for our five sheep, we spent weeks building a small “barn” perfect for sleeping, eating, and staying in out of the rain and snow. Before the completion of the structure, we hung a tarp on the old chicken house to provide some shelter from the sun and rain. The curious sheep inspected everything we did until their new home was completed.

Problem #1: The sheep were afraid to go inside their beautiful new house! They would stand outside and peer through the door, but go inside? Surely, you jest!

Problem #2: Even though the tarp was taken down from the chicken house, they still stood under where it used to hang oblivious to the fact they were getting absolutely soaked…imaginary tarps do not hold back much rain! Their wool became so waterlogged, I was afraid they were going to shrink. We are their masters. We are smarter than they, right?!

Solution #1: We had to move their food trough indoors. The “Go Inside or Starve” philosophy proved to be quite motivating.

Solution #2: The next time it rained and all five sheep were standing under the invisible tarp, we took our umbrellas outside and coaxed them to get in out of the rain with delicious corn and irresistible hay. Needless to say, we had to encourage them to get out of the rain several times before they realized it really was drier inside! It was pretty pitiful.

I wonder why Jesus compares us to sheep numerous times in the Bible? Could it be we too are afraid to recognize His beautiful gifts? Are we so caught up in our own ways that we can not see when we stray or perhaps there is a better way, His way? Jesus explained to the disciples in John 10 that He is the sheep gate. The “sheep” must believe in Him in order to be saved. Jesus is also the Good Shepherd who protects His sheep…sometimes that means the “sheep” need to come in out of the rain and let Him be their Master.

Bible Reading: Luke: 4-6

Forgive me Jesus when I demand my own way. Thank You for loving me even when I am an ignorant sheep.

“God rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” 

- Deuteronomy 33:26-27

          During the six week “Why” series, we asked some very important questions about God’s claims in the Bible and through His Son, Jesus Christ.  If I believe God is my creator and I am living in a sinful, fallen world, then I also must believe that bad things can and do happen to us all.  It is during the miscarriages of our babies, loss of employment, tragic car wreck involving massive brain damage for my 18 year old kid brother, hurtful words, cancer, death, and uncertainty that I cling to the security of my Heavenly Father.  Do I come through these trials without confusion and anger? No, I have frequently had to ask God to forgive me for my doubts and thank Him for sustaining me when I don’t understand why.  When I’m in the mist of an ordeal, I try to write down my thoughts and how God helped me.  When the next bad time happens, and I know that it surely will, I can look back and remember how faithful God was, is and always will be. If the pain is too fresh and deep to feel God’s presence, then I wait on Him.

For every hectic day, God is my quiet rest.

For every painful experience, He is my healing touch.

For every disappointment, He is my certain hope.

For every turbulent storm, He is my calming peace.

For every hurtful action, He is my forgiving love.  – Ray Lessin

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-12

Thank You for Your predictable love and faithfulness especially during the unpredictable valleys.  Use each day to build my faith and character. I will rely on Your protection and guidance. Amen

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” 
- Galatians 5:13

What should I do with my Servant Towel?  After teaching about how Jesus chose to serve others as an example to us, Pastor Darrel challenged us to go and be servants too.  We were instructed to place our towel where it would remind us to be a servant.  When do I grumble the most?  What is it that I don’t like to do?  Is there a time when I’m not really joyful in my service to others?  I knew exactly where my Servant Towel would need to go.  I folded it nicely and stuck it in my rag box under the sink.  Once a week I take it out and it helps me remember to joyfully serve my family as I clean up spills in the kitchen, remove toothpaste from the bathroom mirror, wash fingerprints off the walls in the hallway, and yes, even the wonderful job of cleaning the toilet!  When I begin to grumble, I remember how the Son of God came to earth and humbly kneeled to wash the disciples’ dusty, and probably stinky, feet. 

          As I unclutter the house and put away other people’s things, I pray a prayer of thanksgiving for each person.  I pray for our kids to have a closer walk with Him, for their learning at school, for their future spouses, and for maturing spiritually through challenges in their lives.  And for my husband?  I should serve my husband happily as well.

          “It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26–28)           In twenty five years of marriage, I have picked up countless pairs of dirty underwear from behind the bathroom door.  This used to infuriate me!  Finally I had a shift in attitude as I began to pray for my husband when he left “gifts” for me to pick up, clean up, or put away. Instead of gritting my teeth and muttering under my breath that he doesn’t know where his dirty clothes go after a quarter of a century, I pray that I will become the wife God intended me to be.  I thank Him for the wonderful husband, daddy, teacher, and coach he turned out to be.  As I pray, I notice my attitude improves.  Todd’s things are reminders to me of his presence in our family and in my life. And when he gets exceedingly messy, I just gather up his things and dump them into his closet or office chair.  Every servant has her limits too!

          But even as I wash fingerprints from the walls, I realize the fingerprints are becoming higher and fewer.  My days of being a servant to a house full of children are numbered and I thank God for the privilege of being able to care for them.  My Servant Towel is my constant companion on cleaning days.  I make sure it is clean, folded, and ready for the next round of joyful serving with specific prayers for each member of my family.  With the help of a changed attitude and focus, my cleaning days go quicker and are more enjoyable!

Bible Reading:  Mark 13:1-15

Help me to remember that when I serve others, I am serving You. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”  Matthew 25:40

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted: he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” 

- Psalm 34:18   

          Sometimes I feel as if my body is declaring mutiny, one part at a time! Five years ago, I became mysteriously sick and not even my doctors at the Cleveland Clinic could diagnose the reason my immune system began attacking itself.  I became so sick I couldn’t be around my students anymore.  I had to leave my classroom and take a disability leave of absence. Many times I asked why?  I pleaded with God to heal me.  But He didn’t, not yet.  I could still write though!  I was home every day while everyone else was at work and school. God began to help me write about my frustrations, my triumphs, and what He was teaching me into stories.  One story I wrote is called The Day Marcus Flew.  The story started as journal entries about our family vacation to Disney World.  I had time now, plenty of time without interruptions, to write.  The story about our son Marcus grew into a manuscript, was published, and released last July!  The book is about the time he traveled by airplane for the first time when he was four years old.  He realized just how small he was compared to this world, and wondered how God even knew he existed.  We were able to reassure Marcus that God loves him and even knows the number of hairs on his head!

          Does God know when I am sick and hurting?  Yes, just like he knows everything about Marcus. God is slowly healing me. He continues to bless me with writing and I get to share my story with people like you!  God does care.  He cares very much.

     How much does He care? He watched His own Son become lashed spiritually by Satan himself when Jesus was tempted in the desert.  God’s Son was lashed emotionally in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed for there to be another way besides death on a cross.  And God’s Son was lashed physically beyond recognition at the crucifixion.  God willingly gave His Son for me and you.  Please remember this world is not our home…we are not home yet.  This home we live in now is a fallen, sinful world.  Christ followers are not immune from this world’s pain, unfairness, and lashings.  Stay strong because God knows everything about you too.  He sees all your hurts – no matter how large or small, and no matter how invisible they are to others.

Bible reading:  James 5:13-18

Thank You, God for comforting me when life is painful and confusing. Wrap Your loving arms around me and surround me with Your peace.

My sincerest apologies to all of you devoted readers. Due to some technical errors and some computer problems the devotionals for Monday and Tuesday were posted late. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Grace and Peace,

Rick Phillips

“The Lord leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.”
- Psalm 23:2-3

Knowing that Jesus frequently went away by Himself to rest and pray, I am challenged to follow His example. Recently, after a particularly hectic day of feeling like a hamster running on its exercise wheel, I made a list of ways to reduce my stress level and just be still in His presence. This is what I came up with, but feel free to make your own list.

• Take daily planned, quiet getaways alone even it is only for a few minutes (take a bubble bath, relax on the porch swing, go for a walk, cuddle with a favorite pet or book) No multitasking…just be still
• Make myself walk daily surrounded by nature and peaceful silence
• Record 2 things I want to accomplish daily and do them. Don’t worry about everything else. There’s always tomorrow or perhaps the unfinished tasks won’t really matter in eternity? “There are no great tasks, only small tasks done with great love.” Mother Teresa
• Listen to classical music in the car on CDs
• Say “no” more frequently…don’t feel obligated unless it is something I think God wants me do or I would really like to do
• Enjoy the night time sky
• Breathe deeply and look for humor whenever possible

I draw immeasurable strength and peace from my intentional alone time with God. It is during times when I think I will be pushed straight over the proverbial edge if anyone else whines, “Mommy!”, makes a mess, absolutely needs something for tomorrow and it is already well past my bedtime, or I have to climb to the top of one more mountain of dirty clothes, I close my eyes and envision my alone time peacefulness. I whisper a quick prayer for God to give me strength and know that this too shall pass. Believe it or not as the kids have grown, the whining and messes are decreasing and I think I can almost see to the other side of Mt. Laundry! Winston Churchill was right when he stated, “An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Bible reading: Psalm 23

Heavenly Father, help me to stop wearing myself completely out by trying to do too much. Thank you for the gift of today and if I don’t get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. I know You didn’t put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. You are more interested in what I am than what I do. Amen

“My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.”
- Psalm 121: 2

Three days after our oldest daughter got her driver’s license, she asked to take our van between church services to get a cappuccino. In tears, she called her dad and he went to comfort her as she talked with the police officers. Apparently, she had become distracted when her hot drink started to tip over out of the drink holder. She managed to total our van by wiping out a mailbox and a fire hydrant in a few seconds flat! We were very thankful no one was hurt (except for Winston, the van) but she did learn an expensive but important lesson about keeping her eyes on the road.

Peter, in Matthew 14, learned this lesson as well when he stepped out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. He became distracted by the wind and began to sink. Peter called out to the Lord and immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and saved him. Anitra’s road and Peter’s water remind me of our spiritual journey. Distractions, fear, and obstacles frequently get us in trouble and off course. That is when we can cry out to Jesus, saying, “Lord, save me!” He stretches out His hand and takes hold of us, puts us back on the right path, and continues to love us.

God’s commandments, wisdom from the Bible, and accountability to other Christ followers provide the guardrails for the road along our spiritual journey. An old hymn summarizes this message beautifully.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. – Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

Bible Reading: Psalm 121

Dear Father, You must shake your head sadly when You see me veering off the road of Your will. Thank You for loving me enough to save me, forgive me, and steer me back in the right direction.

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
-I Corinthians 13:7

Marriage is an absolute blessing from God. I know Satan will attack and this special relationship, because this is his way to damage even unborn generations. So why should I be surprised to find our marriage in the center of a spiritual warfare? I am encouraged to know we have God and His host of angels for protection if we invite Him to do so. I can not express how serious the attack on marriage is or the horrific consequences of this warfare on the family. Diligently and constantly we guard our sacred marriage with prayer. When we feel the attack, we are encouraged to know we must be doing something right! Satan has no need to tear apart a family which is already dysfunctional! We try to stay strong and be faithful to our wedding vows. I try to be satisfied and thankful for the husband I have been given. Finding another spouse may be tempting, but Satan can be the same threat in any relationship. We are commanded to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) We are told, “Your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. Resist him! (Peter 5:8 -9)

I’m not ashamed to ask for help or mentoring from a trusted couple who has survived difficulties. They’ve weathered their share of storms together and are still in the same boat. How DID they do it? There is also a wealth of marriage help resources, conferences, and counseling available. I sometimes need to close my eyes, count to ten…or more, and then remind myself to respond with respect! Because we are Christians, and sometimes think we should have our acts together, we don’t ask for help until we think it is too late. God instructs us to take care of problems immediately before they multiply and become insurmountable. “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 5:26 -27)

Our children are growing up so quickly and through every stage of their growth, we have had to consciously work at having a loving relationship with each other first. We have strived to put God first, each other as husband and wife second and our children third. When this balance becomes out of order, everyone suffers. Our relationship with God becomes weak, our relationship as husband and wife becomes strained and hateful, and our children become more demanding and upset as they feel something has gone terribly wrong. Do what it takes to guard your relationship with God and your marriage. A home with Christ at its head is a glimpse of our heavenly home to come! Pray, discover, work, serve, laugh, cry and make memories together as a family.

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Heavenly Father, my marriage vows were said not only to my husband, but they are a sacred oath with You. Please help me honor and keep my promises especially when I just want to quit and move on to something easier.

“A wife of noble character who can find?”

-Proverbs 31:10

Reading Proverbs 31 makes me exhausted and feel just a tad bit inadequate! In summary, a wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies! She works vigorously to provide for her family, is an enterprising person, gets up while it is still dark, shows good judgment, her trading is profitable, opens her arms to the poor, is clothed with strength and dignity, has a good sense of humor, is a wise and loving counselor, does noble things, and she fears the Lord. Hold on a minute. I thought I was supposed to bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan! Obviously, I have been misinformed. And I wonder if setting my alarm to wake me up early, but hitting the snooze button a few times earns me any points for noble character. I hate to admit that sweat pants and an old stained sweatshirt are sometimes as dignified as I can possibly manage. I am also ashamed to admit I don’t always show good judgment, wisdom, or behave in a loving way. My husband and kids could give you plenty of examples in this category. But then I read in Proverbs 31:30 that “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

“God’s love is neither increased nor diminished by the success or failure of your to-do-list. Instead, He wants a relationship with you where every part of your life is open to Him; He wants your first concern to be how you can fellowship with Him on a closer, warmer, and more personal level, no matter how efficient and organized-or inefficient and chaotic-your life may be.” - Darlene Sala

Bible Reading: Proverbs 31: 10 – 31

Dear Father, create in me a closer relationship with You. I trust you with my flawed character and my never ending to-do list. Make my character nobler and show me what I really need to accomplish today according to Your will, not mine.

“Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”

-Psalm 51:7

Sometimes I feel so inadequate. Are my children polite enough? Are they learning to make wise choices? Does everyone have enough clean underwear for tomorrow? Does the nutritious food we consume outweigh the junk food? Will my children remember that the house wasn’t always a disaster area? Do they have lunch money? Did I remember to sign all the permission slips?

I find it refreshing when God gives me a new day, a time of new beginnings. No matter what happened, or didn’t happen the day before, here is a chance to start fresh. God is a God of forgiveness and second chances. By admitting my areas of failure, and committing to turn from past wrongs, I am allowed a fresh start. Keeping this in mind, I should be asking, “What really matters in eternity?” Do my children feel safe and loved? Do they know and love Jesus? Are they learning how to love and serve others? Do they seek to be obedient to Him? Am I an example of a Christ follower to others?

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2:22-26

Thank you for giving me each new day and another chance to start again.