Category: spiritual reflections

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

Here in the West we have had days and weeks of smoke hanging heavy in our skies from the fires that have ravaged huge numbers of forests, fields, homes and lives. The pall of smoke has been miserable and in many situations downright dangerous. Our air quality went to “hazardous” and stayed that way for days. Even while staying indoors my eyes stung, my head clogged and even my mental outlook was clouded by the gloomy overcast that kept the sun hidden, the sky murky. This is such a vivid picture of our spiritual condition when we are not looking to God for His pure “breath of life.”

I have been enduring the actual smoke but also a spiritual “smoke haze”. My pre-occupation with social media accounts, computer games, and all the political upheaval have distracted me from clear view of the glory of my God. It is a dangerously toxic spiritual smoke haze. Consequently my focus on the here and now has blurred my spiritual vision, clogged my mind, and nearly paralyzed me with anxiety. Every aspect of the spiritual smoke haze has me walking farther and farther from Jesus’s side.

Don’t get me wrong. These things are not sinful or wrong, but they have become my focus. They have covered my gaze with toxic spiritual smoke. There is an old song titled “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus.” It goes like this:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

 

Oh soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

 

Through death into life everlasting
He passed and we follow Him there
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are

                                                             Is your gaze on Jesus?

 

You can listen to the song sung by Lauren Daigle here:

 

This song reminds me that my gaze has been in the wrong direction. I need the Holy Spirit to blow away the smoke of Satan’s lies, and distractions. I need the breath of God to revitalize me. God tells me he will give me clean, fresh, spiritual air:

“I will put my Spirit [Breath] within you and you will come to life…” Ezekiel 37:14

I cry out to God for clear vision of my beloved Jesus.

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on jus, that we would be called children of God; and such we are…Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”  I John 3:1, 2

I ask Him for more of Jesus as Living Water to sooth my parched throat.

“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:14

I call for His Word of wisdom to break the clogs of wrong thinking.

“O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to your dwelling places…to God my exceeding joy…” Psalm 43:3, 4

I beg Him to whisper to me again that I am in His care and under His protection no matter the day’s alarming news.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty…He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91: 1, 4

My soul cries “Come, Lord Jesus!”

““I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Revelation 22: 16, 17

QUESTION: Is your spiritual vision clouded by Satan’s smoke of lies and distraction? What will you do now to “turn your eyes upon Jesus?”

Honor- An Anniversary Reflection

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

A few days ago my beloved husband and I celebrated a big milestone anniversary. Thinking about the days and years that brought us to this occasion has been very profitable to my own daily life. Let me explain. Here in the West we mark significant occasions with many kinds of celebration or commemoration. The hallmark of these is ‘honor.’ We participate in the solemn ceremony and vows of marriage, mourn the death of a loved one at a funeral with various memories and words. Cities and nations honor fallen heroes and great leaders with parades, speeches, statues or even naming streets, buildings, and bridges after them. As we participate in these events, we take time to give honor—respect and recognition of the worthiness of another.

When we reflect on the day of our marriage, or celebrate in ceremony the worthiness of a person who has accomplished much, or are reminded of a loved one’s passing, we think about the noble, good and right things of that marriage union, the work of the hero and the life of the deceased. This is a satisfying exercise of thought. So it is with our honoring of God. We reflect on Him and His work in the world even as we celebrate and commemorate life events.

But even more helpful, I think, is the thought of places in those relationships and lives that were less than good.  Looking back on my marriage, I am reminded of the continuing need to  “… as [one] who [has] been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentle ness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other…just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3: 12-13.  In the ups and downs and daily frustrations involved in living with other human beings, this is really hard. Being changed into the image of Jesus is not a painless or simple “one and done” operation. It is an on-going work of choosing to be like Him in attitude, action and words. Giving up my need to be right, or have my needs met is so contrary to my still-fallen human nature. But thanks to my Heavenly Father, the work is happening! These many years have be marked by lots of “head-butting” and exasperation but God has used those situations to deal with me and is making me more aware of my need of Him to change my heart. I praise Him and own the truth that if it had not been for His kind work in my heart, my marriage would have ended years ago. Because of His grace, I have been blessed with the joy of companionship and love afforded by the bond of matrimony for many years. For this I honor God.

So as I reflect on this anniversary, or think of a loved one’s death on the anniversary of his passing or I join in the ceremony of remembering horrific events like 9/11, I am reminded of God’s sovereign reign over all things, His love and blessing to me and others and I praise Him for the lessons He has taught me through the good and bad of these things.

Choose to honor God by acknowledging HIS might and goodness in all things

There are so many ways to be reminded to praise God for all He is and does. The birth of a baby, the delight in graduation from school, the pain of loss in the face of natural disaster or man-made misery, all call me to remember that God is on His throne. In His almighty power and wisdom, He is still in control. He loves His own and has intimate concern with every part of His good creation. He has plans for every turn of human events even when we see them as mysterious and inscrutable. He is using all my circumstances and all the events of my life to make me more like my Lord Jesus Christ.

As I celebrate my wedding anniversary, attend funeral services for my dead friend, or participate in Memorial Day Celebrations at the Veteran’s Cemetery, I am reminded of the honor due those who are the focus of the events. But even more I am reminded to honor God, the One who brings every occasion to pass. I honor Him as “The Blessed Controller of All Things” and rest in joyful peace knowing that He is “…working all things together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Question: What life events and world troubles turn your heart to God? Have you pondered the ways God is using and has used these circumstances to draw you to a rich and eternal relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ? Will you honor and praise Him today for the good and bad of your life?

 

Corona Crazy Days

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

The corona virus has inflicted more than physical harm. Fear and crazy panic are washing over us as a result of corona’s spread around the world. The mandated isolation of huge numbers of people has caused even more anxiety. Fear and isolation are a dreadful combination in our thinking. Why are we in such a dither? What can we do to “keep our heads?”

Not knowing what will happen causes fear. We are not in control. We cannot know what the next moment will bring, let alone what tomorrow or next week holds for us. Our world seems upside down and out of control just now.

It isn’t. God is still God and like the old spiritual says “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” But, this season is a severe test of what we believe about some very serious matters. Life and death are staring us in the face. A huge list of “what ifs” have unfurled before us.

Considering death we ask “What if I get sick and die?” “What will happen to my family?” “What will dying be like?” “Where will I go after death?” Considering life under the restrictions, shortages and isolation, we wonder “What will I do if I run out of food?” “If I can’t go to work, how will we pay the bills?” “If one or more of us are sick, how will we know what to do?” “Will our doctor be able to help?” “Will we get turned away at the door of the emergency room?”  “What will I do to be sure my kids don’t get behind in school?” “What will I do to fill the days and hours of enforced solitude?”

Difficult questions to be sure, but I am reining in my thinking and reminding myself of some wonderful things that are true.

God made me and the whole world. He has not “lost control.” I do not fear what I cannot see because I know He knows and sees all things.

“…I am God, and there is no other’ I am God and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;…Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.”  Isaiah 46:9-11

The Almighty does not slumber or sleep. (Psalm 121:3) He knows the plans He has for us. When the prophet Jeremiah gave God’s people the horrifying news that they were about to go into captivity, he also relayed God’s kind and comforting promise.

“‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope…call upon Me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, ‘declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 29: 10-14

God has a plan. Think of the confusion the Apostles must have felt in the days and hours leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. They had come to believe that He was indeed the long-awaited Messiah the Father had promised Adam and Eve in the Garden. But here He was, arrested, beaten, mocked and even murdered. He, who had done not one thing wrong, was dying the ignominious death of a criminal. They must have wondered why God had let this happen. Why didn’t Jesus just speak a word and destroy the hated Roman authorities? He could have become king with the power He had. He had fed thousands from offerings of a tiny lunch, healed dreaded leprosy, caused those who had been crippled from birth to walk and run. He walked on water, calmed a storm with a simple command—“Peace, be still.” He had raised people from the dead. Why was this One who had such power allowing Himself to be crucified?

Nothing can thwart God’s plan. Nothing the world does can change or thwart that plan. The Godhead, in eternity past, determined to bring men who are dead in sin and under His just judgement for that sin to life and to make them into righteous beings for eternity. The Great, Holy, Triune God did what He planned. Jesus—God in human flesh—came to earth at the perfect time, lived and then died exactly as He planned. He was raised on the third day and He lives forever. Jesus is coming back to deal with sin and evil finally and forever. The entire flow of history from the Garden, through the Cross to this day and on to the Day of His appearing is entirely planned by Almighty God.

Not one action or circumstance in which we find ourselves is out of His awareness and control. The spread of this fearsome disease causes us alarm. It is not an easy thing to contemplate being sick and dying. Death is an enemy that entered our world when we fell into sin and rebellion. But God is using this situation to accomplish His plan. We can’t know how that will be except that we know He will use it for His glory. In the meantime, we must discipline our thinking and use what He has given to live soberly and sensibly.

How can we overcome the confusion, anxiety, fear? I would suggest several things, but first and most importantly, I remind myself and urge you to draw near to God and He will draw near to us.

How do we “draw near”? Sincere prayer, careful reading of and meditation on the Bible. His Word gives what we need in time of turmoil. Remember the words He spoke to the storm? “Peace, be still.” The Psalmist says it to us as well. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 He has promised to hear those who call upon Him.

Question: Will you call on God today? Will you give Him your fear and trust Him to be with you and help you in this time of uncertainty?

Does Love Enthrall?

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

Here is another letter in my Alphabet of Love (see posts for July 12 and August 2). Check out the word “enthrall.” I’m not so great at pointed pen writing, but the word itself is fascinating.

The letter E

In preparing to letter the words for the letter E, I found the word “enthrall.” It is rather old fashioned and almost medieval in its connotations.

enthrall \in-thrȯl\ vt 1: to hold in or reduce to slavery 2: to hold spellbound: CHARM

I belong to Jesus Christ. He has made me His own by dying in my place under the curse of God on my sin. The book of Romans describes my relationship to Him this way.

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?  But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.  Romans 6:8-18

 

This Scripture really impacts me. The idea of being a slave is sobering. Imagine being a servant (slave) in the household of a wealthy feudal baron. The castle is a stone structure. Your quarters are probably in an unheated attic. You must rise before dawn, dress and hurry to prepare every need for your master.  Not one hour of your day, not one day of your week not one week of your year, or one part of your life is free from the whims and needs of another. Indeed, a difficult situation if you are slave to a kind master, but utterly miserable if he is a cruel, thoughtless or demanding owner. Life is an unending cycle of work which, at best, does not enrich you one bit. At worst, your life is a grinding, miserable endurance contest.

Now, think of what Paul is saying about our relationship to sin- and ultimately the tyrannous evil lord of sin: satan. “You were slaves of sin.” (v. 17) In other words, you were “enthralled” by satan. Every single ugly word from your mouth, every mean thought, and every dishonest action was part of your slavery. “the devil made you do it” –you were enslaved by sin and couldn’t help but sin. It was part of your spiritual DNA.

Romans 6: 17-18

But hear the glorious good news! You have died with Christ so death and sin are no longer your masters. Now you are the “slave of righteousness.” You are free from the wicked, misery of slavery to sin. The shackles of shame, guilt and consequences are broken. You are free! Free Forever! Free to love God and others. Free to enjoy the perfect liberty of Christ.

Jesus’ good gift to me of His life in place of mine has me enthralled by Him. I am His Love-slave. Oh, what a happy situation! I am forgiven. I no longer bear the shame of my sin. I no longer am tyrannized and unable to keep myself from sinning. Jesus helps me live rightly and in the way of Love. I am enthralled by Jesus!

QUESTION: To whom are you enslaved? The devil? Jesus?

Alphabet of Love- Part 2

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

I’ve completed several more letters for my Alphabet of Love. (For the first two letters see the post July 12, 2019, “Alphabets”)

the letter “C”
The letter D

The letters C and D which you see here have some words that stir my thoughts about love. Listen to the definition of LOVE as a noun.

“1: affection based on admiration or benevolence. 2: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion. 3: unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good. 4: the attraction based on sexual desire: the affection and tenderness felt by lovers.

And hear it defined as a transitive verb.

 “1: to hold dear: cherish 2: to feel a lover’s passion, devotion or tenderness for.”

These definitions cause me to think about my relationships with God, my husband, my mother, siblings, and friends…AND with “things”.  I get a serious nudge from the Holy Spirit. I am commanded not to love the world or the things of it. Arghhh. That comes uncomfortably close! My preoccupation with my clothes, my household furnishings, my car, my “expertise” at painting or calligraphy. Anything that becomes a focus in place of my allegiance to God is the wrong way to spend my “love.”

Now that I have made these art pieces, when I look at the words I chose much comes to mind.

Beginning with words starting with theh letter C there is much to ponder.

God’s love for me will never change. He is CONSTANT. My prayer: ‘Lord, help me love You in return with constancy.’

“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

I continue to marvel that Beloved Spouse decided to ask me to dance in that “social dance” class at college. I am indeed CHOSEN. What a happy thing it has been these many years with him. And even greater joy is to be called the child of God. I’m CHOSEN by the Creator of the Universe! Amazing!

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are,…” 1 John 3:1

The relationship between two people who “love” each other requires COHESION to weather the storms of life. Thankfully God has blessed Beloved Spouse and me with the gift of learning to “cohere” in spite of our totally different personalities and ways of doing things.

“But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

I am so thankful that God has promised to help me when I have no strength of my own. He will CARRY me in His bosom as His beloved lamb.

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:11

God knows every thought of my mind and every trouble in my heart. He has given me His own dear presence as COMFORT in this fallen world.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

And then there is the letter D. Let’s dive in to the ways “D” words develop our theme. (Pardon the alliteration… I love to play with words and sounds.)

Have you heard the song by Chris Rice Deep Enough to Dream?  He sings about dreaming of heaven. When I think of the love that God has lavished on me that will give me that deep and everlasting joy of His presence, I know love. His love for me is DEEP and it is such a wonderful thing to DREAM of my eternity with Him enjoying every delight of heaven.

Question: What comes to your mind when you ponder the words written by each letter so far? Can you see the connection to LOVE?

Small Things

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

We just returned from a trip to Central Oregon with a stop in the Wine Country of Walla Walla. It was a beautiful, eventful trip loaded with so much fun and love. Family, family and lots of “new” family, especially at a wedding reception for Great Nephew which gave us lots of “new” relatives with which to become acquainted. But there is always time for art. While waiting for the festivities to begin, we socialized with Sister and Brother In-law at RV camp. And ART-TIME! I painted rocks while enjoying coffee and company in morning sun. Small things as subject matter suit the tools I packed for this trip. Rocks are pretty unremarkable. “Small things” that get ignored by most of us most of the time. But, in the effort to make time for art, I decided to paint these small things.

preparing to paint on the picnic table- coffee cup at the ready

I took three rocks from the RV pad, pulled out my little paint kit and travel sketch book. Nothing spectacular, but it was a really good exercise in seeing the various values (lightness and darkness) of the grays. And it is quite amazing how various a non-descript color like “gray” can actually be. Tricky time trying to find the right “blueness” or “green-ness” to make distinctions in this little water color.

“small things”- rocks to paint
rocks- sketched and painted

What do you think of the sketch on the left and the watercolor on the right? I realized that it would have been better to use hot press watercolor paper. The rough texture of the cold press paper made getting smooth shadows and clear delineation of detail difficult.  The way to remember the difference between hot and cold press is imagining trying to iron a shirt with a cold iron. Wrinkles remain. Hot iron—wrinkles removed and a smooth shirt is your result. Same with paper. When it is made, the paper is sent through rollers to flatten it. Heat and extra pressure create a smoother texture in the “hot press” paper compared to the “cold press” which receives a much gentler, cooler rolling. And “rough” watercolor paper gets barely any pressing so its surface is very “rugged.”

This painting rocks made me think of a Bible verse about “despising the day of small things.” Rocks are so unremarkable. Most of us never notice or give them any thought. Since I wasn’t sure where the remembered verse is located I just looked it up. Reading it in context stirred interesting ideas in my mind. In Zechariah chapter 4, God’s messenger angel is speaking to Zechariah giving him a vision message for the people of God. Zechariah is shown golden lampstands flanked by olive trees. When asked about the vision, Zechariah declares he doesn’t know what it means. The angel replies and declares that the symbols represent the coming Messiah. The Promised One’s beginning will be small but will result in Him- the “Capstone of the Temple of God” dwelling among men. And the question is put: “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10)  I take it to mean that although our Savior Jesus’ entry into the world was small and seemingly inconspicuous, He is great and the LORD of all.

Upon reflection I see Jesus– so very different than my non-descript rocks and my life which is so insignificant in the scheme of the world. In spite of His Greatness, He has made me His own and so I dare not “despise the day of small things.” I will count my belonging to Him, small as I am, a very great thing!

This is one of my most cherished Bible verses. What an amazing declaration from my Heavenly Father!

Question: What small things do you “despise” (not appreciate)? How big is Jesus to you?

Preparing to Travel

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

While I write this post I am in the midst of preparing to travel. Beloved Spouse and I are taking a road trip to see our Granddaughter dance “on pointe” in a grand end-of-year production of The Wizard of Oz. We will stay and help with family projects and enjoy the exuberance of the Ballet Girl’s four brothers, two dogs and 19 chickens. What a fun week it will be! Then our trip will take us to a family celebration of a great nephew’s recent marriage. The gathering of family we rarely see will no doubt be a joyful time.

Preparing for this travel has me making lists to ensure that all of what should be in our travel bags, in the camper’s kitchen, what should be prepared for Mother and the house left behind is fully thought out. This planning for the immediate future is important. What shoes will be needed for the ballet performance and the wedding party? What attire is appropriate for helping wrangle children and chickens and assist with yard and house projects for a week? What details about food in the freezer and notes reminding about yard maintenance should be made for short-term memory-challenged Mother?

Do you know where you will spend eternity?

This puts me in mind of all our lives. We should be preparing for our biggest trip of all. The destination will determine what we do to ready ourselves. So what is your eternal destination? Heaven? Hell? Those are the only two choices for every human being.

Destination: Heaven

If you intend to spend eternity in the presence of the Almighty and Holy God, you must prepare on His terms. First you must have your “ticket” and “passport.” There is only one way to Heaven. Because we are all sinners and separated from our Creator, we may only approach Him if we bow in humility and repentance before Him. He has provided a way for us to live with Him forever, but the “ticket” isn’t automatic. If you know and believe that Jesus– God enrobed in flesh– came to earth, lived as a true man, died under the wrath of the Father in place of us for our sins, was buried and is now raised to life, you may have eternal life in Heaven with Him.  This is the only valid “ticket” to the presence of God and Heaven.

Once you have your “ticket” your preparations will be an ongoing process. But don’t worry. The Spirit of God who lives in the one who embraces Jesus will be sure that soul will be clothed appropriately. You will have the robes of Christ’s righteousness and the shoes of peace. (Philippians 3:9, Ephesians 6:15)

You won’t have to worry about food or drink. Jesus declares and provides Himself as Living Water and the Bread of Life. (John 4:13-14; 6:35)

The trip may be rough. There are likely going to be some tumultuous times and difficult places on the “road.” Your route may take you past perilous ravines that threaten your faith in God. But He is watching over you and calling you onward to Heaven’s gates.  You may think you’ve taken wrong turns and are alone in a deserted place. But God is there and Jesus has promised never to leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) And just like He promised the thief on the cross in their dying hour, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”(Luke 23:43) Jesus will see you all the way to Heaven.

Destination: Hell

If, however, you decide to go to Hell, don’t worry about taking Jesus’s claims seriously. He says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6). You can just go into eternity on your own. No problem. You–your own self– is the goal, right? “I’ll do it MY way.” No need for this “Jesus is the only way” idea.

That way you don’t have to worry about a thing. No God, no light, no comfort. Just yourself for eternity. (That equals pure misery for eternity, I think.)

There isn’t much to pack since you came into the world naked and will leave it naked. (Job 1:21) “Nah,” you say. “God will let me into heaven. I’ve been pretty good. He’s a God of Love, isn’t He?” But be reminded, that there is only one Way to Heaven: Jesus. All your good works will stay right here. Utterly useless as a way to get through the “Pearly Gates.” God does not grade on the curve. He has a definite requirement for entry into heaven that is non-negotiable. Believe in Jesus, be born again and enter Heaven, or ignore God’s offer of salvation and inhabit Hell for eternity.

Maybe you’ve talked yourself into thinking about eternity later. If that is the case, my advice would be to work hard now to get great clothing and accumulate lots of “cool” possessions and spend every moment of your life relishing them. You need to be sure you have every delight and comfort you can possibly gather. Enjoy them as much as you can. One caution, though.  Be prepared to leave for Hell at any moment. God is the One who decided the day your birth and He is the one who has set the day of your death. Remember His warning to the rich man who was deciding to pull down his barns and build bigger, better ones: “But God said to Him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you’ and now who will own what you have prepared?” (Luke 12:20) Meanwhile, just drift on a river of hedonistic pleasures. Don’t worry about eternity.  It will get here soon enough. Or more likely sooner than you expect.

Prepare to travel! Know your destination! I’m praying you will be sensible and talk with God about your eternal destination. Only He can affect where you go. On your own, you are bound for Hell. If you turn to Him His grace will give you eternal life– in Heaven.

QUESTION: What preparations are you making for your eternal destiny?

And Then There is June

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

We live in a fallen world besieged by sin and ugliness. Putrid and wicked offenses to mind, heart, and senses threaten to overwhelm. And then there is June. That splendid month that parades her splendor with wild abandon. All the darkness of sin flies before the Light of the World.

Where I live the languorous days of summer stretch early and late. The birds sing before dawn and don’t stop until deep into the dusk. The elm tree sweeps its green swirl of petticoats in the wind. The peonies and iris suffuse the air with fragrance that catches and intrigues me. It is so tantalizing that I want to breathe in deeply — and keep breathing in forever so as not to lose the sublime joy of their perfumes.

Wandering through the dappled light of our backyard the marvels of God’s creation sing from every shrub and plant. The purity of the daisy, the delicacy of the delphinium, the buxom peony’s voluptuous spilling over the wired support all declare the Creator’s awe-inspiring glory.

Our garden sings of its Creator! What a joyful song!

June seems like the one time of year that our hearts threaten to burst with an irrepressible bubbling inner joy. The lavish display of God’s glory to be seen in our own yards and parks are but a small part of His glorious universe. Consider the pleasure of gazing at a full moon on a summer night. The air is cool, the breeze is gentle and the world is silent. But the works of God produce a majestic symphony for the heart that will listen.

I love to gaze at the night sky and remember anew how great is our God.

Rejoice with me and savor the month of June. Turn your heart to the One who made this expansive peek into the coming glories of Heaven.

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart….Great are the works of the LORD: they are studied by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work and His righteousness endures forever.   Psalm 111:1-3

QUESTION: What in God’s creation causes you to pause and praise Him?

The Source of Evil

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

A few nights ago Beloved Spouse and Dear Mother and I shared dinner with some close and dear friends. Our conversation ranged over many things. Then, the question was raised,

“If God is sovereign, where did evil come from? Give me Scripture to prove whatever you say.”

This tough question comes just as I am beginning to read a book called None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God, by Matthew Barrett. (Baker Books ISBN -10:0801098742  ISBN-13:978-0801098741)

What an interesting confluence of ideas and questions! The conversation and the book started me thinking and here is what I believe might be the answer to the question and the connection to the book. (Just a note: I haven’t finished None Greater and so am not ready to give it my hearty approval, but so far, it bodes becoming one of my favs right up there with Knowing God by J.I. Packer. (ISBN- 10:083081650X    ISBN-13: 978-0830816507) This one is SO wonderful. I urge you to read it!)

DEFINING GOD

Barrett posits that we “modern” Christians tend to look at God’s attributes from a human-ward angle. He says we look at God

“in a very experiential way: love is a common human experience, so God must be a God of love, mercy is a commendable virtue, so God must be a God of mercy; and so on. Thinking about God was always from the bottom up—that is, from my experience to who God is. But with the help of Augustine and Anselm, that approach now seed dangerous, always flirting with the possibility of creating a God in our own image, always defining God’s attributes according to our own limitations. What was so different about the God of Augustine and Anselm was that they first though of God as one who is not like us. They started from the top (God) and then worked their way down (to humanity). They moved from the Creator to the creature. And this approach seemed far more aligned with the way the biblical authors approached God. As David says, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light” (Ps. 36:9).       Matthew Barrett, None Greater, p. 8-11

Barrett proceeds to unpack our understanding of God and His attributes by laying the foundation that “God is someone that whom none greater can be conceived.” He goes on to show that God must be the most perfect Being. Every attribute which we ascribe to God is gathered into penultimate perfection. So there is absolutely nothing greater or “more” than God. His immensity in every aspect is incomprehensible to us. We are barely able to describe or line out any aspect of Him in even the most rudimentary way, let alone to exhaustion.

THE ALMIGHTY AS CREATOR OF EVIL

So if we confess that God is indeed the Supreme Being, we will have to wrestle with the question posed by my friend.

“If God is sovereign, where did evil come from? Give me Scripture to prove whatever you say.”

I’ve dragged my memory for Scripture that would answer. My trusty concordance yielded some very interesting passages. Let me try to put them into a coherent case for my still nebulous opinion that God is the Creator of evil.

I am beginning to say this because I believe to the core of my being two things: 1) that Barrett (along with Anselm, Augustine and Aquinas) is right:

“[God] is, without qualification, without reservation, the Supreme being, the fullness of Being itself.”    None Greater, p. 54.

And 2) that God is the only source of all things–there is nothing outside of Him. If that is so, we may not say that “God is not the author of evil. He only permits it.” To say that is a logical fallacy. To posit that evil arose from some other place leaves that glaring question that brings the very essence of God into question. So the assertion stands: God created evil. God uses evil to accomplish His purposes. God will do away with evil at the end of the ages.

But we are outraged at the idea that God created evil. I believe our outrage stems from our finitude.

What are your limits? What are you capable of?

We simply cannot conceive of a Being so utterly “Other,” so utterly beyond our comprehension that He is able to be perfect, pure, and holy and yet be the author of the heinousness of evil. But Scripture tells us that God, the vast and inscrutable Other, in His complete perfection does create and use evil. His very “vastness” and being so far beyond our comprehension makes it possible to say that He has created and uses evil. But how? I don’t know. And why? I don’t know. As I dug through my concordance I found Scripture that seems to answer the “why”. The “how” is not ever likely to be comprehensible to me.

SCRIPTURE SHOWS GOD AS CREATOR OF EVIL

Beginning in Genesis 2:9 we hear that God created the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Obviously evil must have existed before the Creation and before the Fall. Nothing exists that He did not create.

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

I ask you, what does all mean?

What does the word “all” include? Exclude?

In 1 Samuel 16:14 the story of King Saul proceeds with the sad but stunning statement that “the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him.”

The prophet Jeremiah speaks on behalf of the Holy One, “I am bringing disaster on this people… because they have not listened to My word, and as for My law, they have rejected it also.” (Jeremiah 6:19) Jeremiah speaks for the Divine Potter (there’s a vivid picture of God’s sovereignty!) and declares on His behalf to His rebellious people, “Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you…” (Jer. 18:11) God is the One who will bring down, destroy and deliver calamity as He sees fit—to judge sin for both time and eternity.

Amos the prophet asks in Amos 3:6 “If calamity occurs in a city has not the LORD done it?”

“Hold on”, you say. “The Bible says “God’s eyes are too holy to approve (look on) evil.” Yes, it says that in Habakkuk 1:13, but let’s look at that statement in context. Go back to verse 6 in chapter 1 and see that God, speaking through the prophet Habakkuk, describes the Chaldeans (a powerful pagan nation) as a tool He is raising up. They are “fierce”, “imperious”, “dreaded and feared” enemies that “swoop down to devour” and “they come for violence”. With no break or equivocation, Habakkuk says “You, O LORD, have appointed them to judge and You, O Rock, have established them to correct. Your eyes are too pure to approve evil and You cannot look on wickedness with favor.”  The people of God have been wicked and rebelliously turned from God so He is warning them of His impending judgement of them. He cannot and will not look on evil in His people. However, He will use evil to deal with His people. The evil that He brings on them will humble them in repentance to their knees before Him. He will use evil to root out the evil of their (and our) rebellion.

The story of Job with the catastrophes, tragedies and sufferings that befall him are all a result of God, the Almighty One, giving satan permission to use evil against His beloved Job. Satan does not stand separate and co-equal to God. He is a created being as incapable of ex nihilo (out of nothing) creation as any angel or human. Satan did not invent or create evil. Humans did not invent or create evil. God, in His incomprehensible power, His unfathomable plan, and His inscrutable wisdom, has created evil and uses it as His tool. He is working all things for good for those He loves. (Romans 8:28)

How does evil do that? I don’t know. But I do know that God is the Creator of all things. “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

CONCLUSION

I say that God, the Holy One, has created evil I say He uses it according to His sovereign purposes. I make this assertion with great trembling. I do not want to call good evil or evil good (Isaiah 5:20-25). There is divine woe pronounced on any who are “wise in their own eyes.” So if I am wrong, and I easily could be, I pray, “LORD, have mercy and forgive me for Jesus’ sake. Turn my eyes deeper into Your Word to see Your truth.”

QUESTION: What do you think about where evil comes from? Do you think your view of God has any influence on your opinion?

On Waiting: Uncertainty and Anxiety

Posted on by Karyn Jeffrey

I’m waiting with my husband for the time he will be rolled into surgery. It has been a long and stressful morning of preparation for this procedure. Here he is, all scrubbed, poked and prepped for a big “event” (knee replacement, as it happens), but the actual surgery is more than an hour away. This flurry of action followed by a “wait” is unsettling. I feel off-balance. The whole situation makes me think of how our lives are made up of these experiences of hurry and rush followed by the uncertainty and anxiety of a “wait.”

Knowing that we were facing weeks of limited mobility following this surgery made the daily “to-do” list fairly long. But being busy kept the anxiety and uncertainty of the impending operation at bay. But now, sitting in this blank-walled, “other-world,” I have ample time for all sorts of “what ifs” to play out in my head. So—taking a deep breath, I am taking my thoughts in hand and bring them into captivity to Christ.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raise up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5b

What does Scripture say about waiting? About anxiety? About the outcome in store for me? Waiting for God is a command. He is the Holy Creator. I am a sinful creature. The vast difference between God and me is enough that I must lay my hand on my mouth in reverent silence and submission to Him and His plans.

The future is invisible to our finite eyes, but God sees. Trust Him.

God, the Eternal and Unchangeable One, is never late and never early. His plans are ripening exactly as He purposes and every second of my life, indeed all of human activity is completely under His control. He knows every aspect, every thought and action of every person. Nothing escapes His all-knowing gaze.

I am anxious about the outcome of this surgery. What if Beloved Spouse is crippled, ends up in a coma, or worse yet, were to die? The same truth regarding the power, wisdom and good purposes of God bring comfort. God knows all that will come. He loves me and assures me that everything that come to me is for my good.

What amazing comfort that God will work EVERYTHING to our best. He is so good!

He has told me that all that makes me anxious, causes me fear or prompts concern, should be cast on Him.

At our darkest times, God cares. Tell Him and He will shoulder your troubles.

He is the All-Powerful One. He is able to deal with anything that will come to me. He has promised His Holy Spirit will guide and direct me. The Word of promise to me is that He will provide all I need. So, as I wait, my thoughts are quieted before my wonderful loving Heavenly Father. He has made me His child by His Son, Jesus.

God loves me! Remember the Sunday school song, “Jesus Loves Me.”? It is true. “The Bible tells me so.”

His love and concern for me are vast and eternal.  The eternal God is a dwelling place and underneath are the everlasting arms.     Deuteronomy 33: 27a

I am able to relax. I am able to wait. The tides of uncertainty may swirl but I can rest and wait in perfect quietness and confidence. God has it all in hand.

QUESTION: What are you waiting for? Does God’s power, sovereignty and love for you help you obediently wait?

P.S. I wrote this post last week and then after I finished writing it, I found this quote today in the daily devotional book Beloved Spouse and I read together each morning. There is a passage of Scripture to read, a very helpful article explaining it and then as a sidebar called Coram Deo (Living before the face of God). This is the quote from May 10.

God offered David many specific encouragements when he was on the run from Saul. The Lord continues to encourage His people today through His Word, which assures us of God’s presence and power. When you need fresh assurance that the Lord is with you, turn to His Word, for its promises of God’s presence, power, and provision are sure.

The magazine is called Tabletalk. It is a monthly publication of Ligonier Ministries. Find it by going to: tabletalkmagazine.com. The subscription cost is quite modest and well worth the getting. They are willing to send you a sample copy if you request it.

AND… God is healing Beloved Spouse very quickly. Praise God!

A piece of calligraphy I did trying to use the lessons in the uncial alphabet and the lesson on how to create Celtic knots.