Taming Predators

Here is more to consider about taming animals. After the flood in Genesis, animals were filled with the fear of humans*. Their fear protects them, and also protects us from predators because animals (like humans) will be accountable for shedding human blood**. Once we remove their natural fear by taming a predator, we remove the protection afforded us from attack, and it would be foolish to believe their predatory nature would fully change as a result of our efforts to tame them. Their fear may be removed (and perhaps ours), but not necessarily their instinct to hunt. Consider even the predatory behaviour of our domestic pets, less apt to hurt us because of their size, but still instinctive nonetheless. Consequently, I think we share responsibility when we remove the fear and dread from an animal that can hurt us, and it subsequently does. Pride can lead us to believe we can succeed where others have failed.


* Genesis 9:2-3 (NIV) ² The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. ³ Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.


**Genesis 9:5⁵ And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.

Not Feeling Good Enough to Pray?

Sometimes life leads us down roads we never expected. Have you ever started something you felt bad about, but didn't want to stop? When I was younger, I was surprised to discover that some of the things people warned me about were ... well, fun. How could this be - if sin is bad, shouldn't it hurt? The simple answer is, it can feel good and hurt you (or others) at the same time. That is why it is so hard to stop, and why people warn us not to begin.


When I find myself on the 'wrong side' of this dilemma, I still maintain my relationship with God. People may judge me, and I need not convince anyone I am right or wrong. I pray about what I have done, or am about to do. Why kid myself, God knows my intentions? And I invite him to intervene, and confess my inability to stop. We don't have to be perfect to come before God, or no one would qualify. But thanks to Jesus' work on the cross, we still have access to communicate with God.


Romans 7:19 NIV "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

The Word

Communication is so important. One means of oppression is to limit communication with others. This occurs when abusers alienate individuals from their friends and families, or authorities isolate nations from the rest of the world, restricting access to media and controlling what is published and broadcast *. Conversely, when people freely communicate they can solve problems and share knowledge, information, wisdom and truth.


* The following verse reminds me of the situation in Cuba (2012): Job 20:19 NIV "For he [the wicked] has oppressed the poor and left them destitute; he has seized houses he did not build."
Per Wikipedia "Cuba had the second-highest number of imprisoned journalists of any nation in 2008 (the People's Republic of China had the highest) according to various sources, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international NGO, and Human Rights Watch."

Anonymity

Anonymity is a concept used at "anonymous" recovery meetings. Christian anonymity is sometimes viewed as being ashamed of one's faith. Don't be a 'secret soldier' we are admonished! A biblical basis for these concerns may be Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." 
But anonymity is not necessarily disowning who you are or your beliefs, it is putting them forward without connection to one's name. This can be for safety, or to present the message apart from the messenger. At times Jesus himself hid for safety, or instructed people not to tell who He was.*


* At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:59 NIV)
* Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. (Mark 3:11-12)

Freedom 55 ( or 45...35...25)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV). The things referred to are those needed for your life and your body, such as food, water, and clothing. Many pursue and worry about these things, and I confess to having little faith about provision at times. It was unclear to me how physical needs could be met if I turned my attention elsewhere. 
Then, I considered my garden. I choose seedlings, plant them with fertilizer and water, then wait. Apart from my efforts the sun, soil, rain and air help them grow. The grass and trees in my yard were even planted before me by someone else. Likewise, in response to our small efforts, the Lord can abundantly provide growth and harvest in our life to provide for us.

I Do

The bible speaks favourably about marriage, using this intimate relationship to illustrate the love between the Lord and His church. "...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5 b). The early stages of love can be exhilarating, but marriage vows are meant to be for life. Many problems and temptations cannot be overcome unless the Lord enables us. Circumstances can test anyone, so marriages can break down without the grace of God. Consequently, I think the taking of such vows should consider "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15 CEB) just as we submit other plans to God - not as an excuse for failure, but as acknowledgement of our own limitations.

Fair and Just

Peoples' lives can vary - for example one may have a great experience of work, marriage or health, while someone else's life experiences are fraught with difficulties. We comfort ourselves saying 'everyone has problems' - which is true, but I believe some people face more challenges than others*. Like a child, we may protest "it's not fair!"
Justice is another story. While I'm not sure life is fair, there seems little doubt that justice is impartial. During this lifetime, we may not always get what we deserve for harm done, but down the road a penalty will be due. Will we accept Jesus' payment of our penalty, and enjoy mercy, or will we pay for it ourselves?
*But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, ...' (Luke 16:25a NIV)

I Want -> You.

After Paul identifies his calling in Romans, he adds "And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:6 NIV). Finally, a team I can join! I remember times in school when I was among the last chosen for sports teams. How humiliating that was! And I didn't fair much better with the debate team either... "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Cor 1:27 NIV). And we are all weak in some way, even strong athletes. As an adult, I once was appointed team leader for a slow pitch game, and chose the players. What a moment that was, when someone decided to make the last (me) be first! As spiritual ambassadors, we too will have opportunities to turn the world on its head, to help the foolish and weak things be wise and strong.

Work It!

Years ago a friend told me a priority guideline was: self, family (those under your roof), work, other people, other activities - and I struggled for a long time on the work area. What I defined as work was that which requires effort, or earns money. I identified my strengths and interests to seek a good way to earn a living. I also learned that relationships are key on every level, especially our relationship with God.  But work success eluded me.
What if work, as God defines it, is broader than work as I defined it? Jesus' disciples left their regular jobs to follow Him, and later again to spread the gospel. Paul earned his keep along the way, but his main priority was to carry the message. Learning and sharing about God, in whatever way we do it (singing, writing, speaking, acting, etc.) may be the 'work' focus the Lord ultimately wants for us.


*All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. (Colossians 1:6 b)

Walking Through Fire

"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."* Sometimes losses, homelessness, financial crisis, illness or serious injury happen or are imminent. These events seem like walking through fire because dangers abound, and outcomes are unclear. When in the midst of a difficult time, I pray (if I can), sometimes cry, take care of myself, and wait as things unfold. Afterward, I find that God has not let me down. Help was provided, and many of the possibilities did not come to pass. And those that did, have not consumed me.


* Isaiah 43:2 b NIV

A Bitter Taste

It seems like Christianity has fallen out of favour with many people. Although we enjoy the fruits of a Christian heritage in Canada, it seems like some take our privileges for granted. Is it because we no longer sense our need for God? It could be, but I also notice that people who speak strongly against religion were often soured by a personal incident that happened to them (or to a parent). It's a tragic misunderstanding, because although they have a legitimate grievance it is not against God or Christianity, but against that person* or institution who represented religion to them at the time when they were more open. 


*Luke 17:2 (NIV) "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin."

What You Were Made For

Heaven, what a lovely topic to consider. C.S. Lewis points out that the uniqueness of each individual will enable them to appreciate specific aspects of God like no one else. He writes, "if all experienced God in the same way and returned Him an identical worship, the song of the Church triumphant would have no symphony, it would be like an orchestra in which all the instruments played the same note." In describing our innate desire for heaven he writes, "All your life an unattainable ecstasy has hovered just beyond the grasp of your consciousness." "... God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love. Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it - made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand." "Beyond all possibility of doubt you would say 'Here at last is the thing I was made for.'"*

"You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6 b NIV


* Quotes from 'Heaven' in "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis, pgs. 640 and 641 in The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics

Pets: To Be, or Not To Be

I enjoy taming animals and owning pets, but news articles and remarks led me to question whether animals should be tamed, or left wild. To some "the 'real' or 'natural' animal to them is the wild one, and the tame animal is an artificial or unnatural thing."* Proverbs 12:10 (NIV) says "the righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This explains why animal ownership, per se, does not always lead to good results. In the best cases, however, it can be speculated that the taming and training of animals to be in relationship to humans is as proper - in a similar way -  as the teaching of people to be in right relationship with God. In this sense, "the tame animal is therefore, in the deepest sense, the only 'natural' animal - the only one we see occupying the place it was made to occupy,..."*

*"The Problem of Pain" in The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics, pg. 636

Warning: Contains the 'S' Word

I think sexual behaviour is just that: behavior. We make decisions about who or what we act with, and whether to begin - and it is often only whether to begin over which we can exercise willpower. Illicit behaviour feels exciting because the anxiety that accompanies it causes adrenaline that in turn boosts pleasure, just like a turbo system boosts the energy in a car. Then ordinary activity is still pleasurable, but it lacks that extra 'something'. Which is sad, because we lose our sensitivity to enjoy life the way it was made to be enjoyed. Sensitivity can be regained of course, but only by abstaining from the illicit behaviour and retraining ourselves, when we are ready, to enjoy things in a proper way.


Ephesians 4:19 (NIV) "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more."

Small Medium, or Large?

When I was young, I was curious about fortunetellers, mediums, and telekinesis. I wanted to know things by supernatural means, and have special skills that others admired so they would respect me. I was gifted with a high IQ, but nobody seemed to credit me with knowing answers about much (except on exams). Even now I read books about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and miracles, still hoping for supernatural power from a Christian vantage point. It's hard to be ordinary, to just live in the natural world where people get sick, unexpected things happen, and it seems like few want to hear about Christianity. I do believe God has supernatural power, but that most times He works within the natural system He created to bring things about. I guess what I really desired all along was to be listened to and respected, not really to be magical.
Leviticus 19:31 )(NIV)  "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."

For Inquiring Minds

Evolution vs. creation? Scientific questions require scientific answers, and I am no scientist. I did watch a video about this question, which stressed that we must be prepared to give answers to the questions that are raised, and present the evidence that is scientifically available so people can make informed decisions about what is true. I don't personally have many questions about this, but if I did I would start my research at the following website, because they have studied this and present considered articles on the subject both for laymen and experts: www.creation.com.


Genesis1:1 (NIV) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Rejection Hurts

It is frightening to think of God rejecting people, so upsetting that I believe it causes people to question the concept of a God 'like that'. We don't want it to be true that people we know and care about, perhaps even ourselves, may not go to heaven. So, some people react against the concept of heaven. Others react against the concept that a loving God could do this, either rejecting that definition of God, or belief in God at all. Frances de Sales said "God does not deprive us of His love; we deprive Him of our cooperation. God would never reject me if I had not first rejected his love." God does not force people to love back, He gives us free will, and some choose to reject Him. In fact, it is more fascinating to me that God is willing to accept all of us. If you were God, would you offer acceptance to EVERYONE, as He does? In fact, would you associate with humans at all if you were so far beyond them in EVERY way? Fascinating, and lucky for us that He does!*
* 2 Peter 3:9b (NIV) "Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

All We Need

Self-sufficiency is an illusion. Whether you earn lots of money, or live in poverty, this still holds true. "The creature's illusion of self-sufficiency must, for the creature's sake, be shattered; and by trouble or fear of trouble on earth, by crude fear of the eternal flames, God shatters it 'unmindful of His glory's diminution''' [ie. when we then come to Him as a last resort]*. In all our work we are at best like the physicians who cannot heal, only make the conditions optimal for healing; or farmers who cannot make things grow, only sow seeds into fertile soil and make conditions optimal for growth to happen. In all things there is an element of provision needed for which we are dependant on our Creator. Job 8:5-7 (NIV) says:
⁵ But if you will seek God earnestly
   and plead with the Almighty,
⁶ if you are pure and upright,

   even now he will rouse himself on your behalf
   and restore you to your prosperous state.
⁷ Your beginnings will seem humble,
   so prosperous will your future be.

* "The Problem of Pain" in The Complete CS Lewis Signature Classics, pg. 607

Steps In A New Direction

For a few years, we (my spouse and I) had in mind to open a franchise at a certain location. He came up with the idea and did some research about the cost, but since we did not have the money to invest the idea was put on hold. We waited, and to our surprise we recently discovered that someone else opened that exact franchise in that exact location! We were certainly disappointed it wasn't ours, although it did affirm that the idea had merit. As I debated the comfort phrase "everything happens for a reason" against the pragmatic "this was a lost opportunity", the debate was settled as I recalled Proverb 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

Colors in The Shadows

After watercolor added.

B/W sketch before.

Black and white things are enjoyable to sketch because of their high contrast. Then colour can be added for more impact. A friend taught me to look in the darks and shadows of objects for colour, and then use it to build up the dark areas instead of black. Magpies lend themselves to this because close examination of their lovely black wings reveals many reflected colours.


Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.   

"Most Christians Are ..."

Christian stereotypes are not very flattering. Like most stereotypes, they are fixed and oversimplified - I wouldn't want to be like 'them' either, (although I might actually fit some of the stereotypes!) The view of Christians as 'hypocrites' also seems to reflect a belief that Christians should live up to the morals that all people inherently understand. I seldom hear other religions held to this standard, Christianity seems to be the one people believe should result in moral behaviour. I agree, although I think the comparisons to make are how an individual was before, compared to how they have changed - and they themselves are the only people qualified to judge this. (Some begin their journey further down the moral ladder than others!)* But be assured, becoming a Christian won't make you change into someone you would dislike.


* Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21 NIV)

If At First You Don't Succeed...

Everything was in place for a new venture, and I was ready to begin, but nothing happened.  I lost confidence, thinking maybe it was a message that I should give up and try something else. How long should I keep trying? It's embarrassing to share an intention with people, only to have it land on the discard pile. And why does so much trial and error end up as "error"? But the message I feel in my heart, and hear in the voices of my trusted friends is not to give up but to "wait", with the comforting words that "help may already be on the way".*


* "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)

Opportunity Knocking

People have many longings, and try various ways to fulfill them. Some fear that that being a Christian might mean the desires of their heart will be ignored or removed. And yet, Christianity could be an opportunity to become exactly the person you were meant to be, desires and all. They are there for a reason, even if we struggle in our efforts to fulfill them. Here is a promise, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."(Psalm 37:4)

Not A Set Of Rules

One stereotype about Christianity seems to be that it involves rules, as though it were a dictatorship of sorts to which one must - or will unwittingly - conform. The imposition of such rules is called legalism, and is distasteful when any religion promotes it. Truth and rules are two different things. A truth will be true, whether one believes it to be or not, whereas a rule is typically a manmade regulation*. Religions and philosophies often believe they have identified truths, which they willingly seek to live by to improve their lives.


^*20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. ²³Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:20-23)

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep...

God is holy, and deserves our respect and reverence. However, sometimes fear and awe of God - or shame about our behaviour - prevents us from discussing all our concerns with Him. Reciting rote prayers at bedtime and before meals, only discussing emergencies or gratitude - these might reflect a prayer life that could be deepened by sharing more everyday concerns, and also the things that trouble you about life and your own behaviour.  God will not be shocked by any of this because "no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind" (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV), and He is willing to help with everything.

An Ordinary Life Is Not That Common

An ordinary life sounds boring by today's standards. Comparisons to others can lead us to believe our lives are rather small. But what should we aspire to? Ecclesiastes 3 (NIV) says: "¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God." Sounds pretty ordinary, but for those who live with depression, anger, food issues, water shortages, unemployment or unsatisfying work - it would be a nice gift to receive. An ordinary life is not that common, perhaps because it is received as a gift rather than an entitlement.