As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, "Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!" (Matthew 9:27, Message)
As I read Matthew 9, I was struck by the different ways people came to Jesus. These are all familiar stories. . .
The beloved daughter of a local official died when Jesus came to town. He bows before Jesus and begs for a touch of his hand. The man was an official; people would ordinarily bow toward him. He acknowledged Jesus' superior position. He came himself--he didn't send a servant or deliver a letter. He petitioned on behalf of someone else. Just a touch, a single touch--but to bring someone back from the dead?
While Jesus was on the way to the official's home, a second person came to Him for healing. This woman had hemorrhaged for 12 years. Her monthlies were 24/7, 365. In an era before blood transfusions, I wonder that she remained alive. She was unclean for temple worship--probably felt cut off from God--and helpless. Doctors had stripped her of all her money and left her as sick as when they found her.
This believed that if she could only touch the hem of Jesus's robe, she would be healed. She bowed to the floor. She didn't seek attention. She somehow knew that being in the vicinity of God's messenger would bring her healing.Jesus sensed her presence and rewarded her faith by healing of her body and her spirit.
Jesus arrived at the official's house and healed his daughter.
(P.S. I have to love the importance and compassion shown towards women in these two miracles!)
When Jesus left the house, two new people joined the crowd. Their shouts remind me of people here at the nursing home. One man sits in his wheelchair, calling, "Ma'am? Ma'am? Ma'am?" Two blind men followed Jesus, shouting "Mercy on us, Son of David!"
These two followed Jesus. They acknowledged His authority as the Messiah.Their plea suggests faith, but Jesus challenged them. "Do you really believe I can do this?" Their answer? "Why, yes, Master!"
Oh, wow, look at this--Jesus' physical touch in all of these cases as well . . . thoughts for another day.
One man came to Jesus with a polite request. One woman did her best to avoid attention. Two men made a noisy nuisance of themselves. But all of them realized Jesus was more than a man. All of them believed that when they brought their problems to Jesus, He would heal them.
I came to Jesus as a nine-year-old girl, in the Vacation Bible School class held in the lobby of my church (we were short on class space). I knew He was the Savior and God, and that He could forgive my sins.
We all have a different story--but Jesus welcomes all those who come to Him.
I would love to hear your story.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
GOLDEN RULE FOR NURSING HOMES (Matthew 7)
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get. (Matthew 7:12)
I have a few pet peeves when it comes to nursing home life.
Okay, maybe more than a few. :)
Often, I overhear the aides saying, "Jones want to get up for lunch."
"Jones" is Annie Jones. (not a real name). But the aides often refer to patients by their last names. I respond, "I prefer that you call me Darlene. I will accept Mrs. Franklin. But please don't call me 'Franklin.' I am not now nor was I ever a female version of my (ex) husband."
The issue is: See me as a person. Not as a last name (or even worse, in hospitals, as my health issues). At worst we should have a cordial working relationship and at best, we can be friends.
This week I have received a few reminders that respect runs both ways..
How about the time I hollered an after-thought to my aide after she left. The nurse passing by asked, "how about a please?"
Oh. Duh.
Or the morning I screamed in the shower--throwing a toddler-like fit--that they shouldn't ask me to walk on the wet floor. This aide does everything she can to make me comfortable. After I finished my fit, she asked, in her broken English (she speaks about a little more English than I do Spanish): "Do you not want me to be your aide any more?" And the next day she asked someone else to help me. We worked it out.
Today was another one of those times. I watched the clock go past eight (when my meds are scheduled). . .past nine (the legal deadline for delivery for meds scheduled at 8) . . .until nearly 10. I prepared to confront Janie.
When she walked through my door, I gave her a piece of my mind. She looked ready to cry, mumbled some kind of excuse, and left the blood pressure cuff on my wrist while she counted out my meds.
While I waited, I realized that I had overlooked the person behind the job. I hadn't greeted her, hadn't asked after her health, or made any friendly gestures before launching into my tirade.
When she came back in, bearing gifts of pain killers and cough syrups and other such wonder pills, I said, "let's start the morning over. How are you today?" We affirmed our friendship for each other.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Even in--especially in--a nursing home.
Most of the aides get it.
It's time I got it, too.
P.S. I wrote this a few weeks ago for my other blog but it's so good for today's reading . . .
I have a few pet peeves when it comes to nursing home life.
Okay, maybe more than a few. :)
Often, I overhear the aides saying, "Jones want to get up for lunch."
"Jones" is Annie Jones. (not a real name). But the aides often refer to patients by their last names. I respond, "I prefer that you call me Darlene. I will accept Mrs. Franklin. But please don't call me 'Franklin.' I am not now nor was I ever a female version of my (ex) husband."
The issue is: See me as a person. Not as a last name (or even worse, in hospitals, as my health issues). At worst we should have a cordial working relationship and at best, we can be friends.
This week I have received a few reminders that respect runs both ways..
How about the time I hollered an after-thought to my aide after she left. The nurse passing by asked, "how about a please?"
Oh. Duh.
Or the morning I screamed in the shower--throwing a toddler-like fit--that they shouldn't ask me to walk on the wet floor. This aide does everything she can to make me comfortable. After I finished my fit, she asked, in her broken English (she speaks about a little more English than I do Spanish): "Do you not want me to be your aide any more?" And the next day she asked someone else to help me. We worked it out.
Today was another one of those times. I watched the clock go past eight (when my meds are scheduled). . .past nine (the legal deadline for delivery for meds scheduled at 8) . . .until nearly 10. I prepared to confront Janie.
When she walked through my door, I gave her a piece of my mind. She looked ready to cry, mumbled some kind of excuse, and left the blood pressure cuff on my wrist while she counted out my meds.
While I waited, I realized that I had overlooked the person behind the job. I hadn't greeted her, hadn't asked after her health, or made any friendly gestures before launching into my tirade.
When she came back in, bearing gifts of pain killers and cough syrups and other such wonder pills, I said, "let's start the morning over. How are you today?" We affirmed our friendship for each other.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Even in--especially in--a nursing home.
Most of the aides get it.
It's time I got it, too.
P.S. I wrote this a few weeks ago for my other blog but it's so good for today's reading . . .
Saturday, January 11, 2014
THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR (Matthew 6)
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:34, Message)
This is the time of year when we look toward making new Year's resolutions. I've grown out of the habit. Aside from buying to keep myself on track and losing them after a few months. . .I do plan towards specific events. I have book deadlines to meet, and I would like to improve to the point where I can attend my oldest daughter's high school graduation in May.
What intrigues me about Jesus's words here is this: He advises against resolutions. Don't be so caught up in your plans for the future that you miss what is going today.
With my last birthday, I entered my sixtieth year. I am officially by any definition a "senior." (Even if I do know several residents here old enough to be my mother.)I am restricted. Dreams that I had for the future will dangle out of reach, unless my health improves.
In other words, I felt put out to pasture, without purpose.
Then I asked God for new dreams. He doesn't expect me to spend the rest of my life waiting to die. He has a purpose for me here and now. My job is to find it.
In the words of Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God, "Find out where God is at work, join Him there."
If I overlook the work God is doing around me, instead planning for a future ministry--I have lost out on God's best.
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions." (Matthew 6:32, Message)
That's a New Year's Resolution we can all use.
This is the time of year when we look toward making new Year's resolutions. I've grown out of the habit. Aside from buying to keep myself on track and losing them after a few months. . .I do plan towards specific events. I have book deadlines to meet, and I would like to improve to the point where I can attend my oldest daughter's high school graduation in May.
What intrigues me about Jesus's words here is this: He advises against resolutions. Don't be so caught up in your plans for the future that you miss what is going today.
With my last birthday, I entered my sixtieth year. I am officially by any definition a "senior." (Even if I do know several residents here old enough to be my mother.)I am restricted. Dreams that I had for the future will dangle out of reach, unless my health improves.
In other words, I felt put out to pasture, without purpose.
Then I asked God for new dreams. He doesn't expect me to spend the rest of my life waiting to die. He has a purpose for me here and now. My job is to find it.
In the words of Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God, "Find out where God is at work, join Him there."
If I overlook the work God is doing around me, instead planning for a future ministry--I have lost out on God's best.
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions." (Matthew 6:32, Message)
That's a New Year's Resolution we can all use.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
PAY IT FORWARD (Matthew 5)
In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.(Matthew 5:48, The Message)
"A Christian can afford to be generous."
The words have remained with me for almost forty years, ever since our supervising pastor spoke them to me during a summer church plant project. After we ate a restaurant, he must have left a tip that struck me as excessive. I commented on it.
His answer? "A Christian can afford to be generous." I have tried to adapt his principle.
Unfortunately, Christians tend to practice frugality and no generosity at the restaurant. My son, who worked at restaurants for ten years, said that the after-church crowd was their busiest time of the week. They also left the smallest tips.
When I learned that, my heart sank. What kind of testimony is our corporate stinginess on Sundays?
Grow up. Be generous, with money, but also with words. Compliment total strangers. Leave a comment when you enjoy a book. Thank the bus driver.
Be gracious--the word itself would take a lengthy study, and this isn't the day to look at forgiveness and other such things.
God gives to us graciously. He treats us graciously. In turn, He expects us to pay it forward--to treat others with the same life-affirming, esteem-boosting, care that He treats us.
Of course generous and gracious living involves a lot more than tipping servers. But it's a good place to start.
"A Christian can afford to be generous."
The words have remained with me for almost forty years, ever since our supervising pastor spoke them to me during a summer church plant project. After we ate a restaurant, he must have left a tip that struck me as excessive. I commented on it.
His answer? "A Christian can afford to be generous." I have tried to adapt his principle.
Unfortunately, Christians tend to practice frugality and no generosity at the restaurant. My son, who worked at restaurants for ten years, said that the after-church crowd was their busiest time of the week. They also left the smallest tips.
When I learned that, my heart sank. What kind of testimony is our corporate stinginess on Sundays?
Grow up. Be generous, with money, but also with words. Compliment total strangers. Leave a comment when you enjoy a book. Thank the bus driver.
Be gracious--the word itself would take a lengthy study, and this isn't the day to look at forgiveness and other such things.
God gives to us graciously. He treats us graciously. In turn, He expects us to pay it forward--to treat others with the same life-affirming, esteem-boosting, care that He treats us.
Of course generous and gracious living involves a lot more than tipping servers. But it's a good place to start.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
CRAMMING FOR A TEST (Matthew 4)
Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of. (Matthew 4:2-3, The Message)
I've taken lots and lots of tests on my way to a master's degree. The longer I stayed in school, the longer I procrastinated preparing for the test. I spent a few all-nighters writing term papers, but I never stayed up all night studying.
I never spent forty days preparing for a test.
When I needed to concentrate, I went to the library for peace and quiet.
I never traveled to a deserted patch of real estate, devoid of people or anything to eat.
And I certainly never skipped a meal in order to prepare. I just drank more coffee.
That's what Jesus did, driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, alone, and choosing not to eat whatever was available. He stayed there for forty days.
I've heard that 40 days is the limit people can go without eating. The first season of Survivor, they showcased the physical trauma the contestants endured. The effects of starvation, as I remember, were hair falling out, stomach bugs, difficulty with the bathroom.
That is the kind of preparation Jesus chose for His test. I've also heard that fasting focuses the mind. After forty days, I would probably be delirious.
If that is the kind of preparation Jesus endured for His tests, what does God expect of us?
Perhaps it's just this: He puts us in a position of weakness, for when we weak, then we are strong. The weaker the vessel, the more God shines.
So when you feel like trials hit you when you're at your lowest point--you're in good company.
P.S. If you'd like to read a short story about the Temptation, check out "The Ultimate Survivor" at ww.heartlight.org/articles/200202/20020202_survivor.html
www.heartlight.org/articles/200202/20020202_survivor.html
I've taken lots and lots of tests on my way to a master's degree. The longer I stayed in school, the longer I procrastinated preparing for the test. I spent a few all-nighters writing term papers, but I never stayed up all night studying.
I never spent forty days preparing for a test.
When I needed to concentrate, I went to the library for peace and quiet.
I never traveled to a deserted patch of real estate, devoid of people or anything to eat.
And I certainly never skipped a meal in order to prepare. I just drank more coffee.
That's what Jesus did, driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, alone, and choosing not to eat whatever was available. He stayed there for forty days.
I've heard that 40 days is the limit people can go without eating. The first season of Survivor, they showcased the physical trauma the contestants endured. The effects of starvation, as I remember, were hair falling out, stomach bugs, difficulty with the bathroom.
That is the kind of preparation Jesus chose for His test. I've also heard that fasting focuses the mind. After forty days, I would probably be delirious.
If that is the kind of preparation Jesus endured for His tests, what does God expect of us?
Perhaps it's just this: He puts us in a position of weakness, for when we weak, then we are strong. The weaker the vessel, the more God shines.
So when you feel like trials hit you when you're at your lowest point--you're in good company.
P.S. If you'd like to read a short story about the Temptation, check out "The Ultimate Survivor" at ww.heartlight.org/articles/200202/20020202_survivor.html
www.heartlight.org/articles/200202/20020202_survivor.html
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
JOSEPH TAKES CENTER STAGE (Matthew 1)
Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
Disappointment. . .failure. . .humiliation. All three of those emotions visit me, during the ups and downs of Christmas and on into the crushing deadness of January, "cold within and without." (One of my favorite opening lines, from Bolt by Dick Francis)
Disappointed . . .because no matter how much I tell myself that I can't expect anything for Christmas, because my remaining family, Jaran's family, celebrates Hanukkah instead, my heart wants more. Disappointed when the few things within my control go wrong.
Failed. . .when my plans fall through, for buying and giving presents, for sending cards, for going to church or having my daily quiet time or any of a dozen projects.
Humiliated? When my family comes and I'm in bed, undressed. When I wait too long or can't get away and soil myself. . .
All of those are true but none of my reasons comes close to what Joseph must have felt when he learned his betrothed was pregnant. With someone else's child.
In the kind of quiet and strong goodness Joseph exhibits over and over, he doesn't go public with his pain. He doesn't seek to judge Mary. He does decide to end the betrothal. And when God tells him to marry her, in spite of the pregnancy, he doesn't hesitate. In spite of all the public humiliation which would come their way. In spite of the gossip which was bound to peg him as the baby's father.
Joseph. Chagrined I understand. Noble I strive for.
Disappointment. . .failure. . .humiliation. All three of those emotions visit me, during the ups and downs of Christmas and on into the crushing deadness of January, "cold within and without." (One of my favorite opening lines, from Bolt by Dick Francis)
Disappointed . . .because no matter how much I tell myself that I can't expect anything for Christmas, because my remaining family, Jaran's family, celebrates Hanukkah instead, my heart wants more. Disappointed when the few things within my control go wrong.
Failed. . .when my plans fall through, for buying and giving presents, for sending cards, for going to church or having my daily quiet time or any of a dozen projects.
Humiliated? When my family comes and I'm in bed, undressed. When I wait too long or can't get away and soil myself. . .
All of those are true but none of my reasons comes close to what Joseph must have felt when he learned his betrothed was pregnant. With someone else's child.
In the kind of quiet and strong goodness Joseph exhibits over and over, he doesn't go public with his pain. He doesn't seek to judge Mary. He does decide to end the betrothal. And when God tells him to marry her, in spite of the pregnancy, he doesn't hesitate. In spite of all the public humiliation which would come their way. In spite of the gossip which was bound to peg him as the baby's father.
Joseph. Chagrined I understand. Noble I strive for.
Monday, December 23, 2013
A TALE OF THREE CHRISTMASES (Matthew 2)
They [the scholars from the East] could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! (Matthew 2:10, MSG)
The first two chapters of Matthew give us a glimpse behind the Christmas story. The first Christmas. Or maybe the second--Jesus was probably about two years old.
And of course Jesus wasn't born on December 25th.
But, the Christmas story happened in real time and space. And people chose to believe or not, each in their own way, even back then.
We looked at Joseph a bit in chapter 1. The angel appeared to him a dream, and gave him very specific instructions. He obeyed. No questioning the dreams. No complaints. He speaks through his actions, not his words. Although he was asked to believe the impossible, at least the message was clear.
Then we have Herod. God sent the message to him via three foreigners. The message was confirmed in Micah's prophecy. An unlikely source--but he gave it enough credit to assassinate them when they returned to Jerusalem. Herod could have joined them in worship of the Messiah. So could the priests.Instead of rejoicing in the birth of Israel's Messiah--the hope the priests at least claimed--Herod feared it, and sought to kill the Messiah. Instead of obedience, he wanted the death of the threat.
Finally we have the wise men. The Message calls them "a band of scholars." The traditional number three is assumed because of three gifts, but the exact number is unknown.
They had no direct revelation, but they were students of God through nature, especially the stars. Somehow they also knew about Israel's king, and his importance.
With nothing more than an interpretation of the sky--no verbal instructions at all--they invested a lot of money and four years of their time (going and coming) into worshipping Israel's Messiah.
What do we choose to do with the Christ of Christmas today?
My son told me that he was going to ask friends, "Why do you give gifts at Christmas?"
In one of those proud-moments-to-be-a-mother, he went on. "I remember that you taught us that we give gifts because God gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son."
He went on to mention those who said they did it to show love for their families and friends, or because of the gift of the wise men. Or even just because of the tradition and the commercialism that urges us to buy, buy, buy.
Today we have the three ways of receiving God's message.
We have His message in the Bible, and we can choose to obey.
We have His unwritten message in the songs of Christmas, in the traditions in which I see the gospel about the Great Gift, the Light of the World, the eternal life represented by an evergreen.
If we are Christians, we hear His message in our hearts, since He lives within us.
Why do you give gifts at Christmas?
The first two chapters of Matthew give us a glimpse behind the Christmas story. The first Christmas. Or maybe the second--Jesus was probably about two years old.
And of course Jesus wasn't born on December 25th.
But, the Christmas story happened in real time and space. And people chose to believe or not, each in their own way, even back then.
We looked at Joseph a bit in chapter 1. The angel appeared to him a dream, and gave him very specific instructions. He obeyed. No questioning the dreams. No complaints. He speaks through his actions, not his words. Although he was asked to believe the impossible, at least the message was clear.
Then we have Herod. God sent the message to him via three foreigners. The message was confirmed in Micah's prophecy. An unlikely source--but he gave it enough credit to assassinate them when they returned to Jerusalem. Herod could have joined them in worship of the Messiah. So could the priests.Instead of rejoicing in the birth of Israel's Messiah--the hope the priests at least claimed--Herod feared it, and sought to kill the Messiah. Instead of obedience, he wanted the death of the threat.
Finally we have the wise men. The Message calls them "a band of scholars." The traditional number three is assumed because of three gifts, but the exact number is unknown.
They had no direct revelation, but they were students of God through nature, especially the stars. Somehow they also knew about Israel's king, and his importance.
With nothing more than an interpretation of the sky--no verbal instructions at all--they invested a lot of money and four years of their time (going and coming) into worshipping Israel's Messiah.
What do we choose to do with the Christ of Christmas today?
My son told me that he was going to ask friends, "Why do you give gifts at Christmas?"
In one of those proud-moments-to-be-a-mother, he went on. "I remember that you taught us that we give gifts because God gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son."
He went on to mention those who said they did it to show love for their families and friends, or because of the gift of the wise men. Or even just because of the tradition and the commercialism that urges us to buy, buy, buy.
Today we have the three ways of receiving God's message.
We have His message in the Bible, and we can choose to obey.
We have His unwritten message in the songs of Christmas, in the traditions in which I see the gospel about the Great Gift, the Light of the World, the eternal life represented by an evergreen.
If we are Christians, we hear His message in our hearts, since He lives within us.
Why do you give gifts at Christmas?
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