Stirring, Sterling

 
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STIRRING, STERLING

Is a spoon just a handy kitchen tool,

A stirring stick,
Or a utensil to eat with?

Well, yes, but ah, much more.
It can stir up great concoctions
With delightful tastes
To tantalize the tongue.
Its appearance can seem bit like sterling silver
(even if only forged of stainless steel).

 A clean spoon left after a meal
Might just look like part of the clutter
Left behind on a table. 
But oh, if the light is just right,
If this sometimes mundane object is glimpsed by an artist –
Maybe made part of some re-arrangement --
 Then textures, patterns, designs emerge,
Gloriously pleasing to the eye.

May I be a stirring stick in God’s hands.
Not mundane, but beauty directed by him.
May I feed others his bounty-feast.

My patterns and textures and designs shine out
When the Lord takes this spoon in hand.
Oh, what is he stirring with me,
To beautify his world,
To comfort, cheer, or show others who he is?
God values me!  He says he sees the Christ in me!
May the durable but ordinary steel in me
Be as precious as sterling silver –
Not because of anything I do, but because
He has already given his complete self to me.

(c) 2013 by Marilee Miller

This post is shared with "The Wellspring" Playdates with God

Endure Hardships

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     “Take… your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first class) soldier of Christ Jesus.  …

     “Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied king] descended from David, according to the good news (the Gospel) that I preach.

     “For that [Gospel] I am suffering affliction and even wearing chains like a criminal.  But the Word of God is not chained or imprisoned!

     “Therefore I am ready to persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect [God’s chosen], so that they too may obtain [the] salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with [the reward of] eternal glory.  …

     “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.  …

     “Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].  …

     “But as for you, continue to hold to the things you have learned and of which you are convinced…

     “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by his inspiration)…  for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

     “So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  …

     “As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.”
                              (selected from II Tim. Ch 2 & 3, the Amplified Bible)


WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE TOWARD HAVING TO SUFFER?

We in the “Western church” have doubtless heard countless sermons on doing the good work that Christ has called us to do.  And, that “if He calls you, he will equip you.”  And that walking with Jesus Christ should be a great adventure!  Lately, we hear from just about everywhere that we are to pursue our God-sized dreams (which are often glamorous or called to the public’s attention.)

However, in my experience, at least, there have been very few calls to “suffer unflinchingly every hardship.”  We may hear stories of foreign missionaries who are persecuted, or about the “persecuted church” (Christians in countries where just admitting to the name of Jesus Christ can bring reprisal).  But then so many of us act like we aren’t ever supposed to suffer over-much.  We go on blythly pursuing consumerism, or looking to celebrities, or working for a “pet “cause”, or just getting by in daily life.  And then in hard times, our first cry is apt to be “Why are you doing this to me, God?”  Or, “Life just isn’t fair!”

Doesn’t it seem as if we’ve done a great disservice, if any of us have told people they should be Christians because life will be so great?  It’s true that He will give us peace and joy and rest!  But it’s not the sort of peace, joy, and rest in the way the outside world defines it.   Truly, God’s ways are not our ways.  We just want out of our pain, sorrow, difficult circumstances.  And then he confounds us by saying that not only will we reign with him only if we suffer with him, but that to be well fitted for his service, we must “endure”, and “suffer unflinchingly every hardship.”

I haven’t faced the sort of persecution for my faith that is common in some countries.  But I have encountered disease, loss of job and self-respect and loved ones, money woes, dissatisfactions and disappointments. Oh, how my losses hurt!  How afraid I become!  I don’t like being in a place of suffering.  I may forget God values me, only feeling I’ve been deprived of my rightful place in God’s kingdom.  Yet, the truth is that God may be allowing hardships as a very training ground for a fuller, more God-centered life in his presence. 

But how shall I manage to endure to the end?  How shall I face my days unflinchingly?  Only by the grace and mercy of God himself.  He has fashioned and made me.  When he puts me in a place of long-suffering, there are lessons for me to learn.  Fortunately, he has promised to always hold my hand.  And to be my guide and ever-present Lord.
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This post is shared with "Seedlings in Stone"  and "Playdates with God"





 

Differing Opinions

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DIFFERING OPINIONS

The chorus of a Sunday School song about Jesus Christ staying in our hearts, ends thusly:

“…I’m inright, outright, upright, downright 

Happy all the time."

A blogger recently lamented that “happy all the time” was not a theme she wanted her children to learn.   For in this world, in this life, we are not “happy all the time.” 

I recall playing this chorus on the piano, years ago, for the Sunday School kids to sing.  I never thought of it as improbable.  Besides this, in the course of a morning’s singing, many different statements would offer a balance to our Christian thinking.

As I reflected on the blogger’s concern, I realized she was speaking of the emotions: happy feelings.  I certainly agree with her that trying to live a Christian life doesn’t exclude sadness, grief, or unhappy moods.  On the other hand, aren’t we supposed to “rejoice in all things?”  Doesn’t the Bible say “the joy of the Lord is our strength”?  (By our conscious choice of attitude, not by feelings, which, of course, vary according to what life hands us at any moment.)

Rather than taking exception to the words “happy all the time”, I began to muse on the example in the Beatitudes.  “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted…  Blessed are you when men shall despise you, and say all manner of things against you, for My sake; rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” 

Some translations substitute the word “happy” for blessed.  “Happy are they that mourn… “   “Happy…when men shall despise you…” 

Happy?   I’m to be happy when ugly, terrible things happen?  When my heart is broken?  At such times, usually I’m focused on my fears, my griefs, my pain, the unfairness of life.  Should I just put on a “happy face” ?  No, I’m not able to be – or expected to be – blissful, euphoric.  

But blessed?  Oh, yes!  The Lord says he blesses us when we mourn or are persecuted.  Wow, if I’m especially hurting, then I’m being especially blessed!  That’s not the way the world works it – but it’s what God promises.  He does this, not me!

Beyond that, Jesus Christ lives in my heart.   I may not feel capable of doing battle, but HE is there with me.  I may not always be “glad” for my circumstances.  But God is always glad in Himself.  He’s content with Who he is.  Therefore, God-dwelling-in-my-heart (by my resting in His faithfulness, not my emotional attitude) always rejoices.  The Holy Spirit always lives in me, whether I feel him or not.  (God said it, not me!)  Jesus Christ always lives to make intercession for me.  He doesn’t stop praying for us – or rejoicing over what he has promised will be the “final triumph of righteousness”.

Differing opinions.  The blogger objected to the concept that as Christians, we ought to be “happy all the time”.  And, me?  I hadn’t heard, or thought of, that song in years.  But after reading the words, the song welled up in my mind and heart all the day long.  And every time my mind sang “happy all the time”, I smiled, saying – “I’m blessed all the time” (because of God-in-me).

In this earthly life, there will seldom be smooth and perfect days.  But oh, I’m so grateful that His joy lives  in me perpetually.  Whether I feel glad emotionally, or not, He’s “happy all the time” – that is, HE IS perfect contentment.  And he’s in me, so that part of me, at least, is indeed “happy all the time.”

 

© 2012 by Marilee Miller

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I Surrender All?

                                                            (artwork by Marilee Miller)

I SURRENDER ALL?

.A twenty-something blogger recently wrote of having just entered a graduate-level, almost-a-year study course.  But already, he feels torn about “the right steps to pursue next year”.  He supposes he ought to complete a graduate degree at a prestigious university.  Yet at this time he doesn’t consider a higher degree  as a requisite to advance his career, but as a possible route toward being well-informed, a good communicator, and “wise”.  He pictures a future that involves serving others, dialoging with them – especially about Jesus Christ -- and reaching out with his own two hands to help attend to the physical and spiritual needs of those who are often overlooked.

In his conflicted interests, his fear is that he will “just be”.  Just a writer, not an exceptional influencer through the written word.  Just a businessman, a servant, not reaching his hopes of changing many lives.  He says he pleads with God desperately to show him his will.  He seems so afraid that he’ll blow his usefulness to God by making a wrong choice somewhere down the line.

My “take” is that he’s trying to control an outcome himself, when really, only God is capable of bringing this about.  It’s all very well to make what plans we’re able.  But when we obsess about only certain activities pleasing God – “what do I have to do next year, and the years after that, to become useful to God?” – that can be a trap.  Perhaps God wants us to “just be”.  Perhaps we need to focus on what Christ has already done for us, instead of what we might be able to do for the sake of his Kingdom.

Yet how like the young man, I can be!  I say “I surrender all to Jesus.”  But then I wonder what will become of me if I run out of money – or health – or the ability to pray.

If the Lord has in mind for this man a career that involves more education to accomplish, he’s capable of laying on the young man’s heart to continue in school.  Maybe the very instances where I’m concerned about my needs possibly not being met, are gifts to build up my character, honesty, perseverance, and absolute dependence on him.

I’m trying, though human enough to not always succeed in my efforts, to give all circumstances into the hands of God the Almighty One.  If “all Scripture is God-breathed for edification and correction…”, then let me cry out to him when I become afraid, certainly.  Let me express my grief and sorrow that life hasn’t turned out the way I’d hoped it would.  But then let me rely fully on his own faithfulness.

“The gospel is bearing fruit and is still growing (by its own inherent power)…”  (Not by my intentions at all.)  “For as part of God’s sovereign plan, we were chosen from the beginning to be his, and all things happen just as he decided long ago.  His intent has always been to adopt us into his own family, by sending Christ to die for us…”

Well, God can see the whole picture, even though I can’t.  So if all things happen as he decided long ago, then maybe I can relax that God is getting me exactly where I need to be “in the wide kingdom of his will.”

I’m aware that I come back to this same theme again and again.  I keep forgetting who I am in Christ, and who he is in me…

“Christ in me is my only hope of glory.”  “He has filled us with himself, the author and giver of everything everywhere.”  Maybe if I repeat the words often enough, my heart and spirit will finally get the message
(c 2012 by Marilee Miller)


This post is shared with "Seedlings in Stone"  and "The Wellspring"

 

Using Creativity

Using Creativity:  Self-promotion, or Dying to Self?

(soap box mode on)


So many internet users scramble to collect a lot of  “friends” or chase after self-branding.  The images they post, and the tone of all the writings, is supposed to fit an ongoing theme.  And their presence on the web is calculated to get them more friends or more sales or more success.

A lot of bloggers now are publishing books or selling artwares or gifts.  After while, one wonders if some of them blog for the pleasure of writing, or only to drum up more public notice.  “If you are only able to read one book this year, THIS is it---- “ proclaim countless sites. 

A popular subject at this time is “you ought to use your creativity”. 

I’m not against making money online.  I’m not against books, or artwares, or products.  I’m certainly not against using one’s creativity.  I mean, being creative is “who I am.”  I’m made in the image of God – the Great Creator – therefore I’m reflecting Him when I unleash my creative gifts.  But I have to be careful not to let any show of activity define who I am. 

Unfortunately, for personal reasons, other people’s suggestions on how to “unleash creativity” often make me feel lost, deprived, or wounded.  I’m not a strong person.  Actually, I need a way to stay challenged and creative in my mind while giving myself permission not to create more actual projects than I can handle.

Others’ advice on how to find time to be creative often makes me feel I can’t measure up.  Say “no” to other activities.  Manage family life more efficiently.  Give up an hour or two of sleep every day.  Whoa!  For many, there’s no energy left for doing activities, to say no to.  And family needs are absolutely important.  Besides this, some of us need every hour of sleep we can get – and a lot of down time, alone time, rest time between.

 For me, the hardest to bear is the branding (a new fancy word for self-promotion; advertising) which will supposedly focuses our spiritual energies.  Especially when one must start today or the train will leave without you.

“a God-sized dream” (post the story of how you’re working on that, on my blog today).
“God gave you a unique dream that will go unfulfilled unless you do it”  (let me show you how).
“the chance a lifetime” (a book that will absolutely change your life; on sale this week only).
“become exactly who God created you to be” (pay me $500 to be your coach). 
“Bible study helps” (buy a Kindle).
“take a sabbatical from technology” (complete line of online Christian resources).  [No, I’m not kidding; I saw a site advocating this.]

I would dearly love to have a prayer partner.  I wish I had friends I could be myself with.  I’d like the reassurance that my life isn’t in vain just because I haven’t the energy to turn the world upside down.  But when I find someone online who seems compatible with me, they are usually too busy “friending” a lot of impersonal friends, or branding themselves by constant online efforts.  There’s no time for me to interact with them.  Wow, do I always have to BUY Jesus, or my godly friends?

I understand that books and products cost money to produce.  And that people need to earn a living.  I’m happy that some have found a new outlet for their talents.  (I’d like to do that myself, if I were able.)  But thank you very much, I honestly don’t have the money to pay people to help me find more of Jesus, or the strength to produce great works for him if only I’m prodded a little harder, and force myself to get up earlier each day.  And I thought that rather than promote self, we were called by the Lord to die to self and let him live in us!

I tend to root for the underdog.  So what about those who don’t have the money, or maybe the health, or maybe the technical savvy, or maybe the privacy, or they have kids to feed, or, or---  ?

Does the self-promotion, the branding, the frantic activity, intimidate or break the hearts of the poor, the homeless, the uneducated, the mentally or physically challenged, those who work two or three jobs just to survive?  What about people who are persecuted for their faith, or who become victims of violence, or who live in oppressive circumstances?  Are we to say that their God-sized dreams didn’t matter as much as those who got to fulfill their dreams in actuality?  `(Maybe our wonderfully creative and imaginative God, seeing their earthly un-entitlements, will in heaven give them special creative assignments.)
 
Undoubtedly there are people who have the capacity to accomplish many activities well.  I don’t belittle them at all.  But I’m not one of them, alas.  So each day I have to ask myself -- does Jesus want me to wear a brand other than “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”?  Which is best?  To create tangible things for his glory?  Or to receive him more fully because I give him my creative thoughts but don’t rush about to “do more” than I’m strong enough to enjoy carrying out?


Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush around and worry so?”

Said the sparrow to the robin
“Friend, I think that it must be
They have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me!”


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(soap box mode off, now)

This post is shared with
"The Wellspring," Playdates with God