You did good, God!

My dear, sweet wife and I have become big fans of the Hallmark Channel series, "When Calls the Heart."  The series is somewhat based on the books of Janette Oke and focuses on a school teacher and the community she lives in which is located in the northern Canadian frontier. 

I had read that the tv series deviated quite a bit from Oke's books so I decided to take a look for myself.  I just finished reading the first novel and it was one of those "can't put it down" kind of books.

Oke is a wonderful, descriptive writer who transports you into the school teacher, Elizabeth's life.  Elizabeth is sent to the middle of nowhere to teach a community of children.  This "city girl" is determined to adapt to her new lifestyle.  She learns not to fear coyotes or give the mice the upper hand in her home.  Elizabeth also falls in love - with the children she teaches and a certain Mountie where love is truly at first sight.

One of the boys Elizabeth teaches is named Andy.  He is cheerful and well loved by his class.  But he is sickly and suffers from a brain tumor.  The children and community raise the money needs so that Andy can undergo surgery but the young lad does not survive.  

Later, the community comes together for a Memorial Service for Andy.  As they walk out to the cemetery, Elizabeth is overcome with emotion.  And this is how Oke describes what Elizabeth is feeling:

I cried then, the great sobs shaking my whole body.  I remembered the last time that I had wept, and how the little boy in my embrace had reached up awkwardly, and yet tenderly, to brush away my tears.  "You did good, teacher," he had whispered.  And now that small boy had passed beyond - so young to journey on alone.  But then I remembered that he hadn't traveled alone - not one step of the way, for as soon as the loving hands released him here, another Hand had reached out to gently take him.  I tried to visualize him entering that new Land, the excitement and eagerness shining forth on his face, the cheers raising from the shrill little voice.  There would be no pain twisting his face now, no need to hold his head and rock back and forth.  Joy and happiness would surround him.  I could almost hear his words as he looked at the glories of heaven and gave the Father his jubilant ovation - "You did good, God; You did real good!"

I loved her reference to Psalm 23:4 and her description of how God makes all things new for those who enter His kingdom.  Andy would no longer struggle or suffer with his health.  Instead, he would have all eternity to marvel at the goodness of a loving God who keeps His promise that all who believe in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.  And that is our hope too.

Thou shalt not kill!

Sunday starts in a couple of weeks at Life in Christ.  As I was going through some old files I came across this humorous story.  It goes like this...

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.  After explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"  Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, "Thou shalt not kill!"

Join us for Sunday school beginning August 22 at 9:30 am at Life in Christ!

Taking a stroll at Abbey Road

On August 8, 1969, the Beatles took a break from recording to shoot the cover photo for their new album.  That album became Abbey Road, the best selling Beatles album in the USA.  But, as you can see, the Beatles are not the only ones having their picture taken at the famous cross walk.

Sherri and I were there on a Saturday just having finished up a walking tour of Beatles sites.  A young lady who was spending the summer studying in London was kind enough to take our picture.  Notice that I'm not wearing shoes, a la Paul McCartney.

Good news for a Friday!

It was the question of the rich young ruler of Matthew, chapter 19.  It's the question many people ask today, in the post-modern, post-Christian world of ours: "What good thing must I do to be saved?"

The apostle Paul's answer is not what most people expect.  Paul writes to the Ephesians that our salvation is not a matter of do but done.  Take a good look at Ephesians 2:8-9.  Note that we are saved by...

Grace along through

Faith alone in 

Jesus Christ alone without any

Works of our own

Even the good works we might do in order to try and impress God are not our own.  Paul writes that God prepared those good works in advance for us to do.  Such works flow from a heart filled with gratitude for God's free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.

This is good news! Eternity is not dependent on heeding the advice from the latest self-help guru or doing an extreme makeover upon yourself so that you meet the expectations of our post-Christian world.  Trust Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation.  He offers His gifts without strings attached.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.  Good news indeed!

His footprints are so big

Richard E. Lauersdorf is my favorite devotional writer.  His book, "Together with Jesus," helps me start my day where it needs to start - with a thought about my Savior.  Today's devotion, based on 1 Peter 2:21, included these wonderful words:

I don't have to match Christ's footsteps when it comes to my salvation.  They are just too big and deep for anyone to do that.  And it is not necessary.  When Peter wrote "Christ suffered for you..." He was referring to a done deal.  Christ took that deep step down from heaven, that giant step up to the cross, that horrible step into hell's suffering, and that victorious step out of the grave, He took steps that only God could, and because He did, my salvation is complete.  I don't even have to walk to heaven; the Savior will carry me.

From the devotion for August 5. 

Love is all you need

Down through the ages, many people have tried to define "love."

"Love conquers all."  Virgil

"Love is the only gold."  Alfred, Lord Tennyson

"Who loves believes the impossible."  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"The first duty of love is to listen."  Paul Tillich

"Faults are thick where love is thin."  An English proverb

"What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork."  Pearl Bailey

Then we have 1 Corinthians 13, what some Christians commonly call "the love chapter of the Bible."  Since love itself is indefinable, the apostle Paul describes how love manifests itself.  When directed toward others - spouse, children, family, friends, strangers - love is forgiving and self-giving.  No doubt, as Paul was describing the fruits of love, he surely had Christ Jesus in mind.  Through faith, dear reader, you have been "caught up" in the love of Christ.  To whom can you show this love to today?

Be Strong and Courageous

Paul had every reason to be afraid.  He had spent the day before the high Jewish court.  Paul's bold testimony about the risen Jesus has filled the members of the court with hatred and rage.  It was this group that orchestrated the death of Jesus.  They have the power to do the same to Paul.  His life hangs in the balance.

While chained and under guard in the barracks, the Lord suddenly appeared to Paul.  The apostle hears the words that the Lord utters to those who are afraid: "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome (Acts 23:11b).

Paul receives reassurance that his mission is not going to end in Jerusalem.  The Lord has another place where Paul will proclaim the good news of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus - Rome, the seat of the world's power in that day.

The Lord's comforting words remind us of another time when the disciples were filled with fear.  Read Mark 6:45-52.  The disciples were out on the water, caught in the middle of a violent storm.  It was all they could do to keep the boat afloat.  Exhausted from their struggle, the disciples were filled with fear as they saw what they thought was a ghost walking on the water.  Instead, it was the Lord they saw.  "Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid."  And as the Lord climbed into the boat, the winds died down.  They relaxed.  The Lord was with them.

The Lord is with you each day.  He is present always, until the end of the age.  (Matthew 28:20)  The next time you are afraid, remember the words God spoke to Joshua.  These words apply to you as well: "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."