Author: dianafmurphy@gmail.com

I attended the Sipes Family Reunion last Saturday. We had twice as many present as we had last year. Eighteen of us gathered at a state park to remember our heritage and to visit with each other. Most of us see each other only once a year.

Last year, my 95-year-old dad was with eight of us cousins.  This year it was only cousins. My dad was the last of that generation. It’s a sad thought, but our day was brightened by the presence of the newest member of our family!  One of my cousin’s attended along with her daughter and newest granddaughter-only a week old! What a beautiful baby and I was most grateful for the reminder of new life. As long as the earth endures there will be deaths and births.

Life is fragile, especially during this season of time. So many are living in fear of the unknown, unable to distinguish truth and propaganda. Jeremiah, the prophet, met with opposition from the false prophet, Hananiah. Jeremiah told him, “The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies” (Jeremiah 28:15).  Is our Nation trusting in lies or the Word of God?

Some days, I feel despair. Yet, when I look at the Word, God gives hope. Even in Jeremiah’s day, with destruction and captivity imminent, God gave the people hope for the future. He promised in 70 years He would bring His people back. (Jeremiah 29:10-11) He also promised a new covenant. Jesus would come to establish this new covenant through His death, burial, and resurrection.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34c).

Having a relationship with Jesus helps us rise above our fears. We have the promise of a better future, which helps us endure our trials here on earth. I’m leaning hard on Jesus and His promises.

“They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).

Won’t that be a wonderful family reunion!!

In the process of clearing out the attic at my parent’s house, I’ve come across some interesting items which had belonged to my grandparents; old eye glasses, drinking glasses, old jewelry, and a couple dresses (maybe from the ’20s). I was reminded of my grandma’s mirror that I’d acquired some years ago from my mother. I wrote this piece several years ago, but maybe it’s worth reading again.

There it was propped in the corner of the cardboard box with various other articles that had belonged to my grandmother. It had been years since I’d held that little round metal-framed mirror.  As a little girl I was entertained by looking in that mirror, first one side and than the other, magnifying side. It was fun to see my nose and teeth bigger than life size. Grandma’s mirror was always on the table in her living room. She used it when she combed her long, gray hair and than rolled it on a “rat.” I can still see that roll of hair at the back of her head and the soft wave at the side

My thoughts were interrupted by the realization that my mother was asking me if I would like any of the items. Without hesitation, I replied, “Yes, I would really like that mirror.” I had few memories of my grandparents except for the evening visits when our family spent an hour or so with them and I entertained myself with the mirror.        

Grandma’s life was not an easy life. When the depression came and Granddaddy lost his job, life was never the same.  As with many families during that time, they did without things. Granddaddy worked at other jobs but started drinking, which left even less money to be used for his family.  Grandma tried to shame him, but nothing changed. She quietly accepted it rather than fight it. I wondered, when she combed her hair looking in that mirror, did she dream of better times?

Grandma was a quiet lady and seldom spoke. She was hard of hearing. Perhaps, that’s why she didn’t join in conversation. The only words I remember her saying were spoken at her baptism when she was well into her 70’s.  As the preacher lifted her up from the water, I heard her say, “That felt good!” In later years I would learn that she had always wanted to be baptized. I have wondered why she waited so long.  Did she not have an opportunity? Did no one give her an opportunity? Or was it that she felt unworthy of God’s mercy? I may never know the answer to any of those questions, but I can have peace knowing that she did accept God’s offer of salvation and was baptized. I’m sure when she looked at her reflection in that mirror she saw a happier lady.

This mirror now sits on my dresser. I use it often to check my appearance before leaving the house. It is no longer my entertainment. It is a constant reminder, not only of my grandmother, but of the One who must be reflected in my life.  

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We serve a living Lord! He has given us His Spirit to be our Guide through this life.  I must ask myself everyday, “Am I allowing Him to work through me?  Am I allowing the Light of Jesus to shine through so that others see His glory?” Someone is waiting to see Jesus reflected in me!

“As long as our churches are places where we struggle to sustain an hour or two of public worship per week, with ‘real life’ only minimally affected by it, we will be like a bunch of vaguely religious cows in a field, mooing on Sunday mornings and chewing the cud the rest of the time. But if we really worked at trying to be for our world what the apostles were for their Jewish world, things might change!”  Quoted from Acts, a Bible study by N. T. Wright.

I was convicted by this statement during my Bible study recently. I live on a farm inhabited by a herd of cows. And yes, they look very peaceful lying out there chewing their cuds. Are Christians called to lie around looking peaceful?

The early church was a busy church. True, the apostles were performing signs and wonders among the people, which made for exciting news. This power was given to validate the apostle’s teaching. The apostles had witnessed the resurrected Christ and they were convinced that everyone needed to hear the good news of the gospel. But it wasn’t just the apostles who were telling the good news. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Every day the Christians met together, ate together, shared with those in need, and praised God through it all. I have to ask myself, “Do I praise God in living my life?  Do others know I serve the risen Lord? Do I pray for those who need Jesus?”

I don’t think we act very excited about our faith sometimes.  Does Jesus go with us to the grocery store or the doctor’s office? Do we name Jesus in our conversations? Do our words and actions reveal the fruit of the Spirit? Do I speak the truth, in love, even when I know it goes against other’s beliefs?

Paul and Barnabas spoke the truth when they were faced with the crowd of worshipers of false gods. In Acts 14 they proclaimed, “We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them”(verse 15).  They suffered for this proclamation and had to leave for a different place, but they boldly spoke the truth.

It seems we may be coming to the place (or already there) where people do not want to hear the truth. Will we back down or continue to proclaim Jesus as Lord? Our hope is in the Lord. Let’s pray for courage to stand up for truth. We do not have the option of lying around chewing our cuds!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:13).

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

We are gradually cleaning out the house my parents lived in for almost 70 years.  My dad lived there longer. We’ve discovered some interesting documents about their early life together and how they managed the farm in those early years. One of the most enjoyable items found were a few love letters between my mom and dad before they were married. Among those letters was the following poem.

Help Us, Dear God

Let us be free to live and love,

But all we can ask is help from above.

Help, Dear God, that only You can give.

Please, let us be free to love and to live.

Our boys have gone over there to fight,

To fight, Dear God, for what they know is right.

Somehow or other bring them back to us,

And let us live together in happiness.

Our boys are fighting for everyone,

And won’t come back till the battle’s done.

Somehow or other keep them close to Thee,

And please, Dear God, let our country be free.

          Written by Alice Sipes on November 19, 1943.

According to eventshistory.com this is what happened that day.

Historical Events for 19th November, 1943

• » Holocaust: Nazis liquidate Janowska known as Janowska concentration camp in Lemberg (Lviv), western Ukraine, murdering at least 6,000 Jews after a failed uprising and mass escape attempt.   (eventshistory.com)

                                                                                 

Alice Sipes was my mother. I copied the poem she wrote (with minimal editing) because her plea is appropriate for today’s events.  We cannot celebrate Independence Day without remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and freedoms. Today, our freedom is in danger of being lost.

We’re not fighting a world war as we were in 1943. Thank God for that! We’re fighting a different kind of war. So, we plead, as well, for “peace and liberty”. God is still our help so we pray for our government leaders, our elections, and for wisdom. We pray for more government officials to recognize the sovereignty of God and that we, as God’s people, would remain faithful to our calling. Whether our country stands or falls, God remains. He is our “ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Happy Independence Day!

 

I had the pleasure of having my older daughter and youngest grandson with me for almost a month. My younger daughter was also here for a few days. This was a big boost to my morale after the “big shutdown” saga.  

Grief has again come to our family. My brother and his wife have tragically lost their son. So, after my girls went home I drove to my brother’s for a visit. God’s strength is with them and God’s people are encouraging them but it’s still a most difficult journey to travel. Dan and Renee are leaning on the prayers of God’s people.  

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, says, “Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses” (Jeremiah 9:21a). A few verses later he proclaims the word of the Lord.  

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). 

So many events in our world today are not pleasant and some are downright frightening, but I am thankful I know the Lord and can depend on His wisdom, His strength, and His riches.

 

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure” (Psalm 16:8-9).

There is much fear in society with this COVID-19. Terms such as “social distancing” have become common place. Wearing a mask is supposed to protect us (or not) from this virus enemy. We are afraid to touch another person. Should businesses reopen or not? Is it safe to go to church? We’re getting mixed messages from authorities who are supposed to know what’s right. We can see folks are getting restless. Are we seeing an increase in violence?

I don’t think a total lock-down of our economy was necessary and I’m afraid many businesses will not recover. Yes, there were many unknowns about this “enemy”, but we take risks every day of our lives. Just getting into our cars and driving on the highway is taking a risk. Yes, we are cautious, we are alert, and we take the risk. I’m thankful businesses are getting permission to reopen.

God does not intend for humans to live life apart from others. At creation God said it was not good for Adam to be alone. We are reminded in the New Testament to forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32), to encourage one another (Ephesians 4:29), and to love your neighbor as yourself (Galatians 5:14). As Christians we live God-centered lives and then others-centered. We are one body-Christ’s body, the Church. And we need to be together.

I’m happy to see churches opening their doors and meeting again, but not happy about the restrictions still imposed upon us. It’s been 3 months and I, for one, am tired of “social distancing”. Let’s give God  our fear and get on with life. Maybe not greeting one another with a “holy kiss” but I’d sure like to greet another with a “holy hug”.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).

I started a new Bible study using an online format. It’s called “Goliath Must Fall” by Louie Giglio. As soon as I did the first session I realized what a great follow-up this is to the National Day of Prayer theme of “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth.”

Mr. Giglio starts by declaring who David is in the story of David and Goliath. We often put ourselves in place of David. We think, “With God’s help even little me can defeat the giant.” Mr. Giglio says we are not David, Jesus is. David was not motivated by his own safety. He was motivated by the fact that God was not receiving His glory.  David was all about giving glory to God.

So, as I said last time, I needed to be reminded to give God the glory. I ask myself, “Is God getting the glory in my life right now?” It’s a question I must address every day as I walk through life. When I let worry or fear control my thoughts and actions, I am not giving God the glory. I must give my fears to Jesus. He is willing and able to be in charge of my life. Am I willing to trust Him to take care of my worries and fears?

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me” (Psalm 3:5).

Here is the web site if you’d like to join in this Bible study.

https://www.christianbook.com/page/promotion/online-bible-studies/goliath-must-fall-louie-giglio-online-bible-study/gmf-sign-up?p=1210124&emid=Y3hueF9lbWlkX21mXzIwMTRfY3hueHV1QWpLUkdJa3EzakZMem1IcFRNZFBSdWZTcmQU2FsdGVkX18UWNww7L8znYmK_D15WDpy-U4_IHskSJP8INRkLLgqpEpc8KlsPDKV&utm_source=EPMS&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200519_1210124&utm_term=Week%202%20-%20Fear%20Must%20Fall%20-%20Goliath%20Must%20Fall%20Online%20Bible%20Study&utm_content=gmail.com

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Last Thursday was National Day of Prayer with the theme, “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth” referencing Habakkuk 2:14. I don’t know if you watched the prayer and worship broadcast that evening or not. I watched most of it and was encouraged. After these long weeks of restrictions on our lives it was refreshing to hear the prayers, Bible reading, and songs. But the impressive thing was the theme-praying God’s glory across the earth!

During this time I, for one, have become self-centered, thinking of my own wants and complaints. I had become complacent about giving God the glory. I spent too much time in self-pity and not enough time looking for the Lord’s working in all of this.

I recently spent some time reflecting on Ephesians chapter 1. (Sleepless nights drive me to the Word sometimes.)  The Apostle Paul writes in that passage we were chosen by God before the Creation to be forgiven and redeemed. We were chosen and given the promise of the Holy Spirit for the praise of His glory! We were adopted as children of God according to His pleasure and will.  Why do I not praise Him more? God was pleased to adopt me, sinner that I am, and lavished His love on me, “to the praise of His glorious grace”.  What a wonderful thought!

Filling the earth with God’s glory begins with each child of God. It’s not just saying, “praise the Lord” but living it, sharing it, proclaiming it! There is a whole world waiting for a flood of good news.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

It’s May and we’re still living with restrictions on our lives. My exciting news this week is getting my hair cut. Some of my lady readers will relate to that as good news! I won’t be taking my hairdresser for granted anymore. I’m one of those “every six weeks” haircut gals and it had been 10 weeks. Finally, a weight lifted from my head!

I still enjoy reading a newspaper, the hold-in-your-hand newsprint and ink kind. But I noticed some changes in this week’s papers. Our daily paper has received so little advertising it has to cut out publishing two days a week. 

Our county paper, printed once a week, includes those little society columns informing of us of birthdays, anniversaries, family and church events of different communities. I noticed those writers are having a hard time coming up with things to write about. One included a couple poems. Another one gave a list of things one could do to help someone in the community. The first thing on the list was “pray.” Another writer used humor to tell what she had learned during the pandemic. My favorites:

1. “The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!”

2. “Does anyone know if we can take showers yet or should we just keep washing our hands?”

3. “Day 7 at home and the dog is looking at me like, ‘See? This is why I chew the furniture!’”

Humor helps, but I think it is time to lift the restrictions and allow people to work, play, worship, and live as usual. You may have heard the two doctors from California presenting their briefing about the virus.  I understand YouTube took it down. If you haven’t heard it, here’s another link to it: https://videos.utahgunexchange.com/watch/the-quot-cure-quot-is-killing-more-people-than-coronavirus-dr-erickson-covid-19-briefing_XgoYUhXl8R4EHcf.html

It is worth listening to. This is about more than just a virus. It’s time to pray and pray some more for our country and our leaders. Our freedom is in danger. God’s Word stands forever. God is our Rock, our Strength, and our Salvation.

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues” (Psalm 120:1-2).

Last Sunday was Easter, but it was different because we were not free to worship in our church buildings as we normally would. I went to drive-in church.  That experience reminded me of the movie, “Cars” and made me wish the bumper of my Encore could smile and my mirrors could wave in the excitement of being (somewhat) in the presence of other Christians. I was blessed to see the smiles of others parked closest to me as we listened over our radios to the songs of praise, joining in with the recorded music.

Our preacher proclaimed the gospel from the rooftop-literally! (see Matthew 10:27) He used I Corinthians 15:1-6 to show the four parts of the gospel: The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus followed by many witnesses of the resurrected Jesus. Referring to Romans 5 and 6 he went on to explain how we participate in the gospel and are saved.

A believer is baptized, dying to sin, buried in water, and raised up to walk a new life in Christ as a witness for what Christ has done. That’s  Easter! Christ died to pay the penalty for our sin, but three days later He rose from death to live forever. We can receive the gift of eternal life by participating in His death, burial, and resurrection. What a gift! Spread the word!

So, Monday, after the blessings of Sunday, I woke up to no power.  I am thankful for a generator that started so I could have my coffee and a hot breakfast. A generator is a blessing, too. And my brother was a blessing when he filled the fuel tank for running it.

I’m trying to look for blessings during these days at home and to remember to praise God for them. At the same time I’m praying for those in authority to begin opening our country for business again. It’s time!