From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.  Ephesians 4:16 

Our new neighborhood has sidewalks on the back side of each property creating nice series of paths.  As I was walking our dog the other day, I noticed the variety of back yards.  Most have either no fence or chain link fencing while a few have privacy fences.  As Marie and I considered what to do about our own which needs some work, we have agreed that we prefer the chain link as it keeps our yard open to meeting and greeting our neighbors.  This discussion caused me to consider not only our yard but our life style and personalities.  In other words, do we live our lives in ways that invite others in or do we put up barriers?  While it’s very easy to do for a variety of reasons, Christ desires that we love well living in community rather than in isolation.

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But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil. Proverbs 1:33

Reassurance is the act of removing doubts and fears.  Most people like reassurances.  It comes in many forms.  At times it’s the emotional reassurance of having a close relative or friend who walks with us in difficult times.  It may be a legal document that spells out our rights or claims to anyone who needs to know.  Another example is a simple receipt that we hang on to as proof of sale.  All of these and many more offer some form of comfort that allow us to live, work, own, or exchange without fear of being harmed or cheated.  However, when it comes to true reassurance, we look to our Sovereign Lord who is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and life.

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The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23

As we study scripture, we learn about God. It is one thing to intellectually understand God’s faithfulness, His promises, His character, the sacrifice and intercession of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc.; however, it is something altogether different to experience them.  Knowing that Christ died for our sins does not save us…it is accepting His atoning work on our behalf that provides salvation.  Similarly, knowing about God intellectually does not develop a relationship with Him.  Rather, it is through reliance on Him throughout our life experiences, recognizing His work in our lives, and seeking to live for Him alone that we develop a relationship.  It is experiencing God that takes us from an intellectual understanding to a relationship that allows us to mature in faith.  Further, when we acknowledge God at work in our own lives, we provide edification and encouragement to others. To experience God and not share that fact with fellow believers would be remiss.  Consequently this week’s post is about testifying to God’s faithfulness as an experience.

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When Jesus came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him.  Matthew 8:14-15

This week celebrates the 93^rd anniversary of my mother’s birth; the 98^th anniversary of my father’s birth; and the the 73^rd anniversary of their marriage.  Yes, they packed it all neatly into one week…with Mother’s Day thrown in for good measure regularly.  As I take time to remember them and what they meant to me, I am grateful for them and thankful that they pointed me to Christ from the time I was born.  Further, I am grateful for what they taught me through example.  A significant gift that they each exhibited regularly was their servant’s heart which caused them to be helpful and compassionate in a variety of circumstances.  It is a desire that was passed on to me.  As I prepare to make a lengthy drive to visit and help my mother-in-law, I am reminded of the honor and privilege it that it was to help my parents and my father-in-law at the end of their lives.  Now I have the opportunity to assist Ma as well.  When we help others whether through acts of service, encouragement, teaching or some other form, it is a blessing to both parties. 

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O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.  Psalm 10:17-18

As I stated in the last post (Pride and Humility Part 1 –  Pride Renounced), we live in a culture that promotes autonomy, independence and self-assuredness.  When controlled, these characteristics are useful tools in life.  However, left unchecked, they will likely lead to pride.  Prideful arrogance impedes a relationship with God, inhibits relationships with others, multiplies guilt, brings dishonor and insures judgement.   Alternatively, humility is often despised by our culture because it appears to be the weaker trait.  However, it is desired by God because it yields rewards in both this life and the one to come.  Following are a few of the benefits.

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I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.  He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.  Psalm 40:1-3

In 1995 I had a grand mal seizure and was put on seizure medication without a thorough investigation of the circumstances.  We would learn later that I did not need it.  Problematically, if you take seizure medication and don’t need it, it can cause seizures.  Consequently, for the next nine years I endured petit mals or absence seizures.  The first one occurred after my wife and I returned home from a dance.  While we were talking with our children, Marie noticed that my expression changed to a vacant stare.  In order to avoid alarming our children she moved close to me, took my hand, lead me to our bedroom and had me sit down.  In a few moments I returned to normal function.  Through experimentation and discussion, we learned that while I could not initiate movement or speech, I could be led by others and I could nod faintly in response to yes or no questions.  However, for the most part I was immobilized and temporarily stuck in a very confining world.  As I think about those seizures, I’m reminded of times when I’ve been stuck in life.  Usually, I’m immobilized by one of three things:  fear, fatigue or indecision.  Can you relate?

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“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.   Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

Relationships can be difficult; add stress and they become more challenging.  Sadly, it’s easy to forget that our illness has an impact on others.  While we may be the only party experiencing the actual symptoms, we are most likely not the only ones hurting.   For purposes of this discussion, let’s consider three distinct groups:  those of us who are truly alone, our friends and our family.

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