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Hard to Understand

Each day Dave and I find a different place to eat our afternoon meal. The other day we were enjoying a quaint little Greek/Italian place, roadside, under some huge eucalyptus trees. Outside dining at it’s best!

From the surrounding tables we heard Greek, Spanish, French, German, and English spoke with multiple accents. Everyone was there for the same purpose – to indulge in the delicious food they serve.

We were all hungry!

We even remarked at the time that it was an international melting pot focused on food.

Later that day I wondered if any of us sitting there would have been able to stand and speak so that everyone could understand. I found that rather doubtful but possibly.

That was the miracle in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

“Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. 6 And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. 7 They were excited and amazed, and said:

‘Don’t all these who are speaking come from Galilee? 8 Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages? 9 Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, 11 Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.'” Acts 2:5-11 CEV

The Lord had a marvelous message to deliver. So many people from so many places all in Jerusalem at the same time. So, He had Peter deliver the message and EVERYONE heard in their own language.

Do you see that some of the people there that day were from Crete? We’re headed to Crete next week and will visit the museum of Titus. Yes, the same Titus from Paul’s travels. He was the first bishop of Crete and was responsible for teaching the citizens there the ways of Christ. One of the things Titus was instructed to teach was that the followers of Christ should be kind to everyone.

“These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:8 CEV

Probably very few who are reading this have a command of multiple languages or even a need for it but the language we can all speak is the language of God’s love.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote those words, said it was the goodness of God that brings people to a place of repenting, seeking forgiveness and finding His love.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2 Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.” Philippians 2:1-2 CEV

Next time you are in a situation where it’s hard to understand the words or the actions of another person try using the language of God’s love. It just may be the best way to communicate.

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What Are You Holding?

Yesterday we visited an old church, a very old church. It was constructed in the early 4th century. It was built by Constantine the Great at the request of his mother St. Helena who was returning to Rome from a religious pilgrimage.

I tell you this because I thought the church was built in the mid 1500’s and told that to a few people. I was wrong.

I had picked up a pamphlet yesterday and hoped to get a more thorough education as to its history. I took the one that was written in English on the cover however, the language inside is not. What I learned about the church was from further research on-line.

The church is called The Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, literally meaning the church of 100 doors.

Now why am I giving you this brief history lesson? There is a purpose.

Dave, who has done his fair share of construction, looked at things differently than I did when we toured the church. He was intrigued by the rows of chiseled stone that created the great domes inside the church. They are a marvel to modern engineering. How long did it take to possession them, one applying pressure to another to keep them in place, to keep them from falling.

We began to talk about how many years it must have taken, the skill it required and the dedication for not only the workers but their families. I remember the accounts that are given in the Bible of the skilled craftsmen that built the tabernacle in the wilderness and the those who built the Temple in King Solomon’s day.

“ I have chosen Bezalel from the Judah tribe to make the sacred tent and its furnishings. 3-5 Not only have I filled him with my Spirit, but I have given him wisdom and made him a skilled craftsman who can create objects of art with gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood.” Exodus 31:2-4 CEV

“Solomon also gave orders to make the following temple furnishings out of gold: the altar, the tables that held the sacred loaves of bread,[b] 20 the lampstands and the lamps that burned in front of the most holy place, 21 flower designs, lamps and tongs, 22 lamp snuffers, small sprinkling bowls, ladles, fire pans, and the doors to the most holy place and the main room of the temple.” II Chronicles 4:19-22 CEV

I believe the Lord gave these skills to those workers who built this church also.

So often those working behind the scenes are overlooked but their calling from God is just as great.

When the Lord called Moses to represent Him and deliver the Israelites from Egypt He didn’t call a man who had great leadership skills. In fact, Moses was a shepherd in the desert. God asked Moses a question:

“The Lord answered, ‘What’s that in your hand?’ ‘A walking stick,’ Moses replied.” Exodus 4:2 CEV

If the Lord asked you the same question what would your reply be?

A teacher’s grade book, a nurses’ blood pressure cuff, a mechanics wrench, a programmer’s code, a mother’s apron, a soldier’s weapon, a scientist’s research, a first responders’ training, a fisherman’s lines?

What’s in your hand? Those skilled workers of the 4th century had a heart to build a church that would be used to honor God, a place filled with worship. Their craftsmanship remains as a testimony to their dedication.

Let the Lord use the very tools that He has placed in your hands to do the same!

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Listening to the Waves

Yesterday I received an email from a dear friend. She was asking me about the trip, “is it even more than you expected?”.

Yes more, so much more.

She also talked about listening to the sound of the waves. Oh yes, that sound completely engulfs us as we sit on the balcony enjoying the view. We hear it as we walk to the village and stop at the shops. It is an ever-constant reminder of where we are and in reality, it’s also a reminder of the greatness of the Lord.

“The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic,
but you are even more majestic, and you rule over all. 5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93:3-5 CEV

I know that one of the underlying threads to these morning devotions is finding the hand of God in daily events. It is Almighty God who designed nature to reveal His glory and goodness. It’s the simple things in life that expose His majesty.

“’No longer will they have to teach one another to obey me. I, the Lord, promise that all of them will obey me, ordinary people and rulers alike. I will forgive their sins and forget the evil things they have done.” 35 I am the Lord All-Powerful. I command the sun to give light each day, the moon and stars to shine at night, and ocean waves to roar. 36 I will never forget to give those commands, and I will never let Israel stop being a nation. I, the Lord, have spoken.'” Jeremiah 31:34-36 CEV

When we see God in the everyday course of life, it heightens our awareness of His presence. All this beauty and grandeur was created for us. The sunrise and sunset, the changing of the seasons, the tides ebb and flow, the vastness of the galaxies are all for us. Our heavenly Father wants us to know that He is always near.

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. 2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next.3 They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. 4 Yet their message reaches all the earth,
and it travels around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

(Please take time today to read the whole chapter of Psalm 19. It will bless you.)

Before there was an internet the heavens were in place; before the smart phone the waves spoke of God’s glory; before Starlink the sunrise communicated the unchangeableness of God’s greatness.

Before I close, I would like to remind you of the words of an old hymn:

“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

[Refrain]
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!”

As my friend said, “I bet the waves are so relaxing to just sit & watch. Close your eyes and hear them.” Take time to listen for God’s voice – His words of love are on every breeze, in every sunset and they roll in on every wave.

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Plan of the Day

Several times a day, as Dave and I walk into the village center and back again we walk past this lovely garden on one of the side streets here in Naoussa. Each time we remark on what a beautiful peaceful place it is.

Yesterday we stopped so I could take some more pictures. When I examined more closely the way the garden was growing, I saw the two boulders that seem to hold it all together. Plants surrounding them, vines climbing over them, and others sheltered by their mass. It was the first time I had fully noticed the maturity of the geraniums growing close to the front wall. The mixture of plant life is interesting to say the least – morning glory, cacti, hibiscus, sunflowers, others I am unfamiliar with and the large eucalyptus tree. Each one planted for a specific reason, each one part of the gardener’s plan.

The plan? To bring beauty and enjoyment to this little space in the world.

Every once in a while, I ask myself, “what is your plan”. What is my plan in sharing this blog with you nearly every morning?

My plan isn’t to have a world-wide ministry or a huge Instagram or Facebook following, although I dearly love seeing new people becoming readers. My plan, according to Jesus, is to go into ALL the world and preach the Gospel, knowing that wherever I go the Lord is with me. My world is different than yours, my sphere of influence is God-designed for me.

“Jesus came to them and said: ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! 19  Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.'” Matthew 28:18-20 CEV

It’s probably been 40+ years ago that I found these verses in Proverbs 16 and began to pray God’s Word over my plans for the day. Have I ever messed up and gone off to do my own thing? More times than I would care to admit. Have I ever wasted a day selfishly? Sadly, yes!

But I do try to honor the Lord in my busy times and in my quiet, do-nothing times. Sometimes it’s much harder to sit quietly and rest than it is to spend the whole day in strenuous, working activity.

“The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). 3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 AMP

As we all start this week let the Lord lead. As He does, we will have good success by going into our world and being His disciples.

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The Little Things

We’ve been on Paros for a week now. Everyday has been a new experience – fun and beautiful!

When we first arrived, we thought we would be renting a small car, a quad bike or even a scooter to assist us in our site seeing adventures but that one drive from the airport to our hotel was more than enough to convince us that we should stay on foot.

I know our kids were glad we showed wisdom in making that decision. Yesterday was an interesting day to be afoot.

As long as we are in the city center with the shops and restaurants the only traffic is an occasional scooter but more commonly the vendors making deliveries with overladen hand trucks.

We had gone to some shops down by the harbor and were on our way back to the hotel when we saw that a small church in the heart of town had its doors open. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit it. So ornate and brightly painted. Christ is always at the center of these Greek churches and then they also give honor to the saints and priests who have led the community in worship. An amazing place to stop and pray.

Coming from the church back to the city center we were walking, in the road with other tourists, when a couple of motor bikes came up behind us. We stepped to the side and around the bend from the other direction came a small car. There was hardly room enough for the motorbikes and the car. As the little car past us both the elderly woman driving and her equally senior husband were making the sign of the Cross.

We couldn’t help but laugh. But then we said there was no way we would get out in that traffic without praying either. It’s always best to have the Lord’s guidance in difficult situations.

“You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.” Psalm 143:10 CEV

Sometimes we forget to involve the Lord in the small parts of our day. It’s in those little things that we often see the largest miracles.

I remember the days when money was tight – very tight. We had two small children to feed and often no more than $20-30 for the groceries that week. I would pray over the grocery list asking the Lord to direct me in my shopping. I asked Him to multiple my “loaves and fishes”. Once I got to the store, I would find that most all of the things on my list were on “sale”. Two for the price of one. BOGO.

“Lord direct my path to the right store and to the right products”. He did and we ate well.

As a young shepherd, King David, learned how to lead and how to be led. He trusted the Lord in the same simple way that His Good Shepherd led him.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

The couple in that little car with be a reminder to always trust the Lord in circumstances that seem hard to navigate. It’s like I’ve told you before, the Lord will give us examples of trusting Him with our everyday lives if we just look for them. It’s in the little things!

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Holding Fast

It’s interesting how much we can learn about the Lord, his faithfulness, and the practicality of Scripture if we just open our eyes to see the examples placed before us in daily life.

The last couple of days the little harbor we see from our balcony filled with boats. Not the regular fishing boats and water taxis that we have seen each day since our arrival but bigger boats – catamarans, yachts, monohull sailboats. Bigger boats ranging in size from 50′ to 130′.

The weather forecast was for a severe thunderstorm warning, and this is what brought the boats in to a safe harbor. There aren’t nearly enough slips to tie all of them up to the docks, so they were anchoring safely across the relatively small span of sea.

One boat in particular hadn’t anchored well.

We watched as it slowly drifted, getting closer and closer to the shore. It was dangerously close to the rough shoreline. The drifting was subtle and since they were otherwise engaged, I doubt the occupants of the boat noticed they were inching closer and closer to the shore.

Bible lesson in moving pictures, literally.

“We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place.” Hebrews 6:18b-19 CEV

Our lives need to be anchored to keep us from drifting off course, even when the seas are calm there is still a danger of slowly drifting into dangerous waters.

Dave had a nice boat when we first married and he told me the secret to setting a firm anchorage is to drop the anchor, then apply backward thrust so the anchor digs into the bottom or gets a solid grab on something. He explained to me that this boat we were watching hadn’t set its anchor properly.

Sometimes, it seems we may be going backward in life however, it may be that during those times the Lord is actually bringing us to a place of stability and safety, helping us set our anchor. Pulling us back from dangerous shorelines so that we are established firmly on the rock.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

God’s word is referred to as a solid rock; our hope in God’s word is our anchor!

So, when life’s storms seem imminent it’s best that we pull back and get anchored firmly to the rock that will not move!

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Washed Away

For the last several days Dave and I have sat and watched the waves of the Aegean Sea come rolling in. There’s been a sea wind they call “Meltemi” and it has kept the otherwise calm sea, breaking its waves over the rock jetty with some considerable strength.

Boats have stayed safely moored in the small harbor.

As we were sitting in a local taverna yesterday we were directly at the waters edge. I watched each wave and enjoyed the sea spray on a warm afternoon.

Later last night I began to think about the waves and how they wash the rocks as they roll in and recede.

Washed. Washed clean.

Kind of like what the Lord does in our lives.

“God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. 5 He saved us because of his mercy,
and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. 6 God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit.” Titus 3:4-6 CEV

By the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives we are washed cleaned and given a new, fresh beginning!

“…But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God.” I Corinthians 6:11 CEV

The things in our lives that we are ashamed of have been washed clean. Those things that make us embarrassed, that hold us by a grip of guilt, unworthiness and shame are the very things that are washed away by the Spirit of God and because of that washing we are cleansed.

“The Law of Moses is like a shadow of the good things to come. This shadow isn’t the good things themselves, because it cannot free people from sin by the sacrifices offered year after year. 2 If there were worshipers who already have their sins washed away and their consciences made clear, there would not be any need to go on offering sacrifices…21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God’s house. 22  So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.” Hebrews 10:1-2, 21-22 CEV

Religion has no power to make us clean. It only serves to remind us of our sins, our misdeeds and our failings. However, when we come to Christ (our high priest), His forgiveness purifies our hearts and gives us a clean conscience. We are free from guilt and able to live each day knowing we have been washed clean.

“A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. 26 He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. 27 Christ did this, so he would have a glorious and holy church, without faults or spots or wrinkles or any other flaws.” Ephesians 5:25-27 CEV

The power to cleanse comes from Christ alone. His death removed the guilt and stain of sin from our lives. Through the power of His word we are reminded daily of that cleansing. We are a holy people without spot or flaw.

All our sins have been washed away!

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Kalimera

That’s how you say good morning in Greek. Kalimera.

Today Dave and I are starting our second full day on this beautiful little island. We arrived late afternoon on Saturday and it’s now early morning Monday. There’s a 7 hour time difference with the East coast of North America and a 10 hour difference with our home state of Arizona.

We spent a good portion of yesterday sitting on the balcony watching the waves roll in and enjoying the warm sunshine. At the sea shore the water is a beautiful turquoise and further out it becomes a deep azure. It has held my imagination captive as I wonder how many ancient mariners visited its shores.

“Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in Your eyes, O Lord, my Rock and the One Who saves me.” Psalm 119:4 NLV

Every place we walk the people seem happy and content. Our taxi driver explained it best when he said they are a people who love what they do, where they live and the slower paced mindset than those in the bigger cities.

Was this what the Apostle Paul was talking about when he said:

“I know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. 13 I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NLV

The amazing thing is we don’t need to travel half way across the globe to find contentment. We can find it right where we are!

In our homes or a prison cell, in a doctor’s waiting room or in the midst of a storm (physical, mental or emotional), there we can find peace. It’s there we rest in who Christ is and all He has done.

“The Lord Who bought you and saves you, the Holy One of Israel, says, ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to do well, Who leads you in the way you should go.’” Isaiah 48:17 NLV

Paul was probably the apostle who faced the most physical and mental challenges and obstacles but he was content in Christ and the mission of preaching the Gospel.

The Bible’s promise of peace is universal to all who put their faith and trust in the Lord.

Let’s take a minute to pray. I’ll pray here and you join me there.

“Father, I don’t know what types of challenges my readers are facing today but You do. Surround them with Your peace, the peace that surpasses our natural way of thinking, the peace that goes beyond our intellect and reaches our soul. Teach them to rely on You as You lead them in the way they should go. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Many of you will be enjoying a three day weekend, let it be filled with peace.

As they say hear “efcharisto”, thank you for reading. Go in the blessings of the Lord!

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Warning Signs

Last night I was awaken to the sound of the emergency weather warning going off so where in the house.

When we were watching the nightly news the weather man said that there was danger of high winds later in the night. He was apparently he was right.

The thing we have here in the desert with the high winds is blowing dust that takes you 0 visibility immediately and at night you rarely have the opportunity to see it coming from the distance.

When I was little we lived in a small Arizona town called Gila Bend. I was down playing at friend’s when my Mom saw a dust storm coming. She sent my older brother to find me and bring me home. Before we got to the house the wind hit us. My brother was smart enough to have us turn our backs to the wind. He stood directly behind me and since he was taller, he was able to shield me from the stinging sand.

As soon as the winds lightened we ran for home. Safe!

Society has given us so many warning signs. They’re on the highway – Narrow Bridge Ahead, Watch for Elk/Deer, Icy When Wet. We see them in our vehicles – Check Engine, Tire Sensor, Back Up beepers.

Our homes have motion sensors, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide readers. Restaurants publish food allergy warnings on their menus and don’t even get me started on the “side effect” warnings on the prescription medication commercials.

Warning Signs, they’re everywhere and with their frequency comes a deafness to the seriousness of the warning.

Some people are deaf to the warnings of the Bible too.

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.“ Luke 21:25-28 NKJV

These things are happening all over the world – they are warnings signs to those who are without Christ. “Look up your redemption draws near”.

They are also warnings to those who do follow Christ.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 NLV

We’re not supposed to be frightened by what we see. Instead, we are to be wise in our manner of living, reaching out to reassure those who are anxious and afraid. We should be delivering a message of hope and faith. Trust in the Lord!

The morning and evening news should be our ”emergency broadcast system” warning signal. But there’s no need to be afraid; let’s put our trust in God.

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One If By Land

This morning my thoughts are about “concerning” things. The things that pop into our minds trying to captivate our thoughts and rob our peace?

Pondering those things, a stanza of the “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” came to mind.

“Listen, my children, and you shall hear…

He said to his friend, “If the British march
By land or sea from the town to-night,
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry-arch
Of the North-Church-tower, as a signal-light,—
One if by land, and two if by sea;
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm,
For the country-folk to be up and to arm.”

Now what does that poem have to do with anything?

Everything. It seems we always have a foe to face. Not many are an actual foe like the British were to the colonists during the revolution, but we fight them just the same.

We are ready spread the alarm when lay-offs threaten, when doctors’ reports reveal a dis-ease, a move takes us to an unknown place or death robs us of a loved one. Political unrest, social threats, even the smaller things like the first day of school, changing jobs, driving the freeway or facing a thunderstorm can be unsettling.

There’s a favorite verse of mine, I quote it often, however, this morning I couldn’t remember it’s exact location, so I put the words “perfect concern” in my Bible app to find it. Before I hit the enter key, I stared at those two words, perfect concern.

Our Father’s concern for our wellbeing is perfect! He wants us to come to Him in every situation because it’s with Him we find help. That’s another favorite verse of mine so, let’s look at both of them.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:7-8 NKJV

“ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV

Worry keeps us from trusting God and believing His word. He is always ready to help and handle our concerns. Worry isn’t from the Lord, peace is.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

There’s that word “perfect” again and this time it’s coupled with the word peace. Perfect peace comes when we trust our Father.

So, if trouble is coming, whether by land, sea, air or just in our minds, we can hang a signal lantern in our hearts and the Lord will come to our rescue.

“He is the living God, the one who lives forever. His power and his kingdom will never end. 27 He rescues people and sets them free by working great miracles. Daniel’s God has rescued him from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:26-27 CEV

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