Author: dianafmurphy@gmail.com

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).

I like to read just before falling asleep at night.  At the beginning of this year I started reading Bob Martin’s book, God Our Father. This is a book of meditations in theology from creation to consummation and I have found it challenging and deep.  Mr. Martin has filled his book with Scripture references as he points out the unique relationship of mankind and God from creation onward.

Mr. Martin words his ideas in such interesting ways I must write quotations.  For example, when he begins his book discussing creation and how God created man in His own image and breathed into him the breath of life, he writes, “Consequently, man’s life had its origin in that life which is within God Himself. As such, it is a shared life, the purpose of which can only be found in Him whose life it is” (p. 17).

I’ve had to sometimes read paragraphs twice to get the full meaning into my brain and that was one of them. We should never doubt our purpose when we understand those words.  On the other hand, without living our life for our Creator, what purpose do we have?

Continuing with the creation theme, Mr. Martin points out that God created man and woman for each other, but he also created them for Himself. God is love. God needed someone to love and someone to love Him.

Mr. Martin writes, “Nor can we assume that this need was already being fulfilled within the mystery of God’s being, embracing, as it does, the pre-existing Christ (cf. Jn. 1:1-3). For if man and woman, created in the image of God, were to ‘be fruitful and multiply’ (Gen. 1:28) in the fulfillment of their love – even though they already  had each other with whom to share their love, would it not suggest that God, in whose image they had been created, should likewise ‘make man’ in the fulfillment of His love – even though there was already the ‘us’ with whom He shared in creating man and woman (Gen. 1:26)? There is, it seems, an ‘us’ about God, just as there is a ‘them’ about man (Gen. 1:27; 5:1-2), that leads, because of love, to the creation of life” (p. 18).   Something to think about.

 

Bob Martin was Professor of Bible and Theology at Johnson University from 1973-2009.  He went on to his reward in March 2010.

 

 

“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you’” (Exodus 15:26).

Here it is half way through January—two weeks into the new year and I’ve spent several days with the winter crud—otherwise known as respiratory problems. I skipped the doctor’s office and used Tylenol, cough syrup, inhalers, and oh, yes, warm salt water gargles. I don’t know if I recovered quicker or not, but I heard that medical facilities were pretty busy with people sick with the flu. I thought I had enough germs without going for more.  Thankfully, I’m feeling better. I think lots of naps are good medicine, too.

Last year I read through the Bible using a chronological Bible. I had done that before and enjoyed seeing how the parts of the Bible fit together chronologically. It gives one a different perspective especially when reading through the historical events. This year I decided to read through the books in their listed order.  As you can see I’m up to the wilderness wanderings in Exodus 15.

Moses and Miriam, his sister, have led the people in a song of celebration after crossing the Red Sea and witnessing the destruction of Pharaoh’s army.  Three days later the people are crying because they need fresh water to drink. Moses cries out to God who shows him a piece of wood to throw into the bitter water to make it sweet.  I wonder why God chose to use a piece of wood. He could have just miraculously changed the water with a word or had Moses touch it with his staff, but He didn’t. He showed Moses the piece of wood.  Was that wood special? The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about what kind of wood it was so we’re left wondering.

After God gave the people good water to drink He gave them a law saying that if they obeyed His commands He wouldn’t bring on them any of the diseases of the Egyptians. He said, “I am the Lord, who heals you.”  I’m not suggesting that we won’t get diseases and sicknesses if we obey God. What I am suggesting is that God has given us ways to deal with them. Just as Moses was shown the piece of wood, God has given knowledge to scientists and doctors to develop technologies, skills and medicines to help us. I’m a big believer in natural and pure medicines not what the politically entangled pharmaceuticals want us to use. Sometimes it is hard to know who to trust with our health and I don’t have an answer for that.  I do know I have to trust God. He doesn’t promise to take away our illnesses. He doesn’t even promise that we’ll recover from all illnesses (on this earth), but He promises to be with us through whatever comes our way.

“. . . pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5: 16b).

 

 

 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4).

While speaking with my sister-in-law recently we agreed that as we get older our wants and needs lists become shorter. As I reflect on that discussion in light of the Apostle Peter’s words I can see that is exactly what we need-a short list of wants and needs.  The Apostle Paul says in1 Timothy 6:8, “if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”  Most of us have few real needs. Our greatest need is to be saved and become like Jesus. God has given us all we need to do that. We certainly can’t do it on our own! Through our faith in the power of His death and resurrection we have access to His divine nature. We don’t have to be controlled by the world’s corruption or our evil desires. Praise God!

As we begin this new year let us focus less on things and more on the person, Christ Jesus.  On the good and bad days Jesus remains the same—the author and perfecter of our faith.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

 

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).

I’ve been thinking about Mary. She knew her baby was the Son of God. She knew He was to be called “Jesus” because He would save His people from their sin. She must have planned to make His birth a special time. Maybe she got the best swaddling clothes she could find. I imagine she had planned for the best midwife or perhaps her mother to be with her. Most likely Joseph had built a special crib for Him. She must have thought about this birth and what it would be like. But whatever her plans were they were changed.

God’s plan didn’t change. God had said through the prophets hundreds of years before the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were the means of carrying out his plan. Jesus’ birth happened at just the right time and in the right place.

My family had planned to spend Christmas on the farm this year, but that isn’t happening.  We’ll actually celebrate Christmas before the 25^th and we’ll do it in TN. Our plans changed. I felt like having a pity party and did, for a few minutes. But the reason for the change of plans was the difficulties being experienced by the TN family. I had to remember that the situation wasn’t about me. I had to move on with the next plan.

God never promised our plans wouldn’t change. He did promise to always be with us through whatever situations or plan changes we have in our lives. God’s timing is always right. I have to trust Him to work through me as He did through Mary and Joseph.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us’(Matthew 1:23).

I think I’m losing my mind or maybe I’ve already lost it. Maybe I’m not even aware it’s gone.   This is how the morning went a few days ago. I had breakfast and was starting my Bible reading and prayer time when I remembered I had begun to put in a load of laundry. I hadn’t finished because I remembered I wanted to include the place mats from the dining table.  So before I took the place mats to be washed I went to the closet for another set of place mats for the table.  That’s when I sat down with my Bible and started reading. My mind drifted back to the unfinished loading of the washer so I went back to add the place mats, put in detergent and turned on the washer.

If you’re confused by that paragraph it’s alright because it’s another clue that my mind is going. I finally went back to complete my Bible reading and prayer time.  I wondered if God understood my mindless state. Does He understand how easily I am distracted?  I’m pretty sure He does.

This time of year is hard for me. Christmas always brings to mind so many memories from years past. For me, the memories are painful because the one with whom I made those memories is missing.  I guess that’s part of the reason for my distracted state of mind.

I don’t want you, my reader, to have completely wasted your time so these next sentences come from something I wrote a few years ago. I pray they will encourage you as you work through your busyness this time of year.

God came down to show us love.

God came down and walked to the cross.

God came down providing a way for us to escape this world.

God will come one again. Are you ready?

Making preparations for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus has made me think about the preparations we must be making for His coming again. My life is very busy, but I wonder how much of my ‘busyness’ is important for eternity. Making sweets for family and friends is good, but showing a ‘sweet’ attitude and ‘sweet’ deeds toward others is eternal. Decorating the house is good, but decorating my life with the fruit of the Spirit is eternal. Wrapping gifts for others is good, but unwrapping my life and presenting it fully to the Lord is eternal. I want to make my life full of preparations for His second coming!

 

I got a dog bite a couple of weeks ago-trip to urgent care and two stitches.  I got involved in a dog fight with my gloved hand instead of the big mop located nearby-big mistake.  Isn’t it easy to react without thinking things through? There wasn’t time to think. My daughter had two dogs with one’s teeth clamped onto the other’s ear-not good so I tried to grab one collar while she had the other. Anyway, the hand is healing, but I’ve been thinking about how I sometimes react when I shouldn’t or react in the wrong way or with wrong motives.

Do we ever let our opinions separate us from our brothers and sisters in Christ?  Some opinions just aren’t that important, except to us, so why get “in a fight” over unimportant matters? The Bible teaches us to live in peace.  We  read in Romans 12:17-19, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

I’ve found there are times when I am just not going to agree with someone because our ideas or life styles are just so different, but that doesn’t mean I should “dog-fight” them.  I can still live in peace with that person.  It isn’t my job to change them (if change is needed) or vice versa–that’s God’s job.

I’m not happy when someone is disrespectful of me or wrongs me, but it isn’t my job to return that kind of behavior toward them. Forgiveness is necessary on my part whether the offender asks for it or not.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning many problems in the church, but he closes his first letter with a reminder of Christ’s resurrection and our hope of resurrection at Christ’s return. Then Paul says, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Apparently, Paul thought that whatever differences we may have, Christ was most important.   I will do well to not get involved in “dog fights” but rather be involved in God’s work.

Dear God, help me to faithfully serve You by serving others.  Help me fully give myself to Your work without selfish ambitions. Remind me of the grace You offer to all who will receive it. Help me reflect that grace to others. Amen

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Sometimes it’s hard to give thanks in every circumstance. I find it a bit easier to do so when I look for the blessing in the not-so-pleasant circumstance. I hope these suggestions will help you, also.

 *  * *

When your to-do list is way too long give thanks for your mental capabilities to make the list. Then think about how to shorten it, either by delegating some tasks to others or deleting it if not absolutely necessary at this point in time. Be thankful you can figure that out.

When you’re busy with meal preparation give thanks for the family and friends who will share it with you.

When the car breaks down give thanks that you have a car.

When you pay the mortgage give thanks for the shelter provided by that house.

When your loved one is in the hospital give thanks for doctors and nurses who care for the sick.

When you’re feeling miserable with a cold give thanks for meds and a comfortable bed in which to rest.

When you are unable to be with family give thanks for phones or internet to stay in touch.

When your favorite recipe doesn’t turn out just right give thanks you had the strength to prepare it in the first place and the means to buy the ingredients.

When you’re so tired from working your job you don’t feel like putting one foot in front of the other give thanks for the job that provides an income.

When you’re up half the night with a sick child give thanks you have that child to love and care for. That child may need to care for you some day.

When your faith is weak and you doubt God, give thanks for His Word and other Christians. His Word can strengthen your faith and other Christians can encourage you on your way.

“I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).

I am thankful for you, my readers.  I pray you will find a blessing in every circumstance.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE SITS HERE

I recently saw these words on the side of a tractor-trailer parked on a lot near the road.  I have no idea what was in the trailer that was most valuable, but it got me thinking.  What is our most valuable resource? Is it the land, water, the sun, minerals, people, animals?  I suppose I could make quite a long list of valuable things.

Jesus told a parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44).  Jesus followed that parable by one about the pearl of great value. The merchant sold everything he had in order to buy it.   The kingdom of God is valuable.

In Luke 15 Jesus tells about the lost coin and the lost sheep. He said there was much rejoicing over finding the lost coin and the lost sheep.  The coin and the sheep were valuable but Jesus then said, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).  People are valuable.

The Apostle Paul speaks of treasure in jars of clay. (See 2 Corinthians 4:7)  This treasure was the gospel entrusted to humans (jars of clay). Frail clay pots shine the light of the gospel by God’s abundant power. The gospel is valuable.

Think about what Jesus did on the cross. He bridged the gap between us and God. He made it possible for us to be part of God’s kingdom. He shines His light into our hearts so we can shine the light of the gospel to others.  Jesus is certainly valuable and He makes us valuable. With God’s Spirit living in us we can post a sign, “OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE SITS HERE.” Are we sharing the treasure?

 

“For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life” (Psalm 56:13).

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12)

I am fascinated by the many times that light and life are referenced together in the Bible. (One of these days I want to do a study on the subject. ) Light is essential to life.   Plants need the sun in order to grow and we need the plants for food. Looking at Genesis 1 we notice that God said, “Let there be light” before the sun was created.  In 1 John 1:5 we read “God is light” and “in him there is no darkness at all.” My physical body needs the light and my spiritual life needs light.  God has provided the light!  God is the light!

The Bible refers to evil as darkness and good as light. John reminds us “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Later in that same chapter John says “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness” (verses 10-11). Our relationship with God determines our relationship with others.  Living by the truth means we come into the light. The light reveals the truth. (See John 3:20-21)

I just now looked out my window and saw the sun break through the clouds brightening my yard! I can see very little blue sky but there is just enough of a break in those heavy clouds to allow the sun to shine through. A beautiful sight!  Oh, how I need to allow God’s light to brighten my soul. My soul longs for the light of His Son as my body longs for the light of the sun.

My Christmas cactus plants are starting to bud because the daylight hours are getting shorter. They work their beauty according to the light/dark patterns. I haven’t seen any hummingbirds since early October. They flew south because of the shorter days and consequently colder days which will come. Even my dog, Molly, wants to go to bed earlier because it gets dark earlier. I suppose I should follow her example. The sun controls so many things in our world. Now, if we could just allow the Son of God to control our lives, what a difference that would make!

Dear God, shine your beautiful light into my life. Let my relationships today be illuminated by that light.  Amen

(Speaking of light: Remember Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov. 5.)

 

 

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:22).

You probably heard about the recent rock slides in Yosemite National Park. Twice in two days part of El Capitan fell to the valley below. Apparently, there are many rock slides or rock falls, as they call them. Once source stated there have been more than 1,000 falls in the last 150 years in Yosemite. That’s a lot of falling rock!

I was reminded of a trip Wayne and I made to New Hampshire a few years ago. It was our last vacation trip together.  One of our stops was the mountain where the “Old Man of the Mountain” used to be. This particular mountain had a rock overhang that resembled the profile of a man’s head. It fell in 2003. There is a small park where you can stand in a certain spot, depending on your height, and look at the mountain through a cut-out in the shape of the “Old Man of the Mountain.” The idea is to let you see how it looked before it fell.

One might think that God’s creation is falling apart. It is. All of creation, including, people, suffer because of sin. Our bodies get old, wear out, and die. Some say we have more natural disasters now than in the past. I don’t know if that’s true but I do know that Jesus said “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:7-8). The earth, as we know it, is wearing out.  The Apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3 that the present heavens and earth will be destroyed, but look at the good news! “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

Praise God, we don’t have to worry about the earth or our bodies wearing out. New ones are coming! “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation” (2 Peter 3:14-15a).