WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

Today is Memorial Day.

A day in which we honor all those who have given their lives defending our country.

I got curious this year and wanted to learn more about this special day of commemoration.

So I googled…

This from Wikipedia:

"Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.  The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois, established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the Union war dead with flowers.  By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service."


I further researched and found these statistics from The Department of Veterans Affairs and The Department of Defense –it's rather staggering and sobering…

Wartime U.S. Military Deaths:

Revolutionary War – 4,435
War of 1812 – 2,260
Indian Wars – 1,000
Mexican War – 13,283
Civil War – 498,332
Spanish American War – 2,446
World War I – 116,516
World War II – 405,399
Korean War – 54,246
Vietnam War – 90,220
Persian Gulf War – 1,948
Global War on Terror – 6,852

The total number of Americans killed in all U.S. wars is almost 1.2 million.  

(This does not include those who are MIA – people missing in action.  In WWII alone, this number is 30,314).

And the deadliest battle in U.S. history was the Battle of Argonne Forest during WWI – a battle that resulted in more than 26,000 deaths. 


Yes.

Overwhelming, isn't it?

For these are not just statistics, these are people, individual lives.

And each of these deaths profoundly affected countless others' lives.

The casualties of war are far-reaching and never-ending.

That's why I think it's important to take this day and remember – to really ponder the sacrifice, and really appreciate what all those lives were sacrificed for.

For they did not die in vain.

They fought for a cause, they fought for us. 


It's easy in our country to take for granted all the many freedoms that we enjoy.  

These freedoms, as outlined in Franklin D. Roosevelt's State of the Union Speech (also known as the Four Freedoms speech) given on January 6, 1941, are the following:

Freedom of speech
Freedom of worship
Freedom from want
Freedom from fear


It was a powerful speech, given in the context of World War II, just 11 months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and America's subsequent entry into the war.

For many, many decades, men and women have sacrificed their lives to ensure that our country enjoys these freedoms.

We must not forget their sacrifice…


In this past week, I have done so many things that would not have been possible if someone hadn't fought for this country – for my country – for your country.

Last week, I bowed my head and said *grace* at a restaurant – Thank you.

Last week, I drove my car, with a Jesus sticker on it – Thank you.

Last week, I read my Bible – Thank you.

Last week, I spoke to someone about my faith – Thank you.

Last week, I attended church and worshiped – Thank you.


Have you stopped lately and considered what a privilege it is to do these things?

We have the glorious freedom to worship our Lord – freely and publicly.  We are not in danger of being thrown in jail, or tortured, or killed.

And so many sacrificed so much in order for us to have that freedom.

Today I don't think it matters whether we agree or don't agree with political policy. 

Today it doesn't matter if we are *hawks* or *doves*. 

Today we simply focus on people – real people who served our country, who died for our country – because they believed in freedom.


Currently there are five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, six including the National Guard.  (Many have subdivisions such as the Navy SEALS, the Army Rangers, and the Air Force Special Operations Command).


Here's the motto of each:

United States Army: "This we'll defend"

United States Navy: Non sibi sed patriae (Latin for "Not for self but for country")

United States Air Force: "Aim high... Fly, fight, win"

United States Marine Corps: Semper fidelis (Latin for "Always faithful")

United States Coast Guard: Semper paratus (Latin for "Always ready")

National Guard of the United States: "Always ready, always there"


Let's take a moment and remember…

Those who gave their lives to defend.

Those who gave their lives, not for self but for country.

Those who aimed high – who flew, fought, and won.

Those who were always faithful.

Those who were always ready.

Those who were always there.


In their honor, if you know someone who has served, or is serving, this country in the armed forces, I would encourage you to reach out to them today.

Tell them how much you appreciate them.

Tell them we will always remember them. 

Tell them…

Thank you.


And on this Memorial Day, may we take time to remember those who gave their lives – what they fought for – what they sacrificed for – what they believed in…


One nation…under GOD.

God, the One we serve and worship…

The One who gave His Son…

The Son who died to bring freedom…

The Ultimate Sacrifice.


Thank You.



Do you know anyone who gave their life in service to our country?

How many times
must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend,
is blowing
in the wind,
The answer
is blowing in the wind.


(Lyrics from "Blowing in the Wind" by Bob Dylan)


Photo taken at the The Moving Wall™
Since 1984, the traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

"Never was so much owed by so many to so few." 

(From a wartime speech given by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on August 20, 1940) 

***************************************

"'When you go out to war against your enemies, and see…an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you…And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, 'Hear…you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint.  Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.'" (Deuteronomy 20:1-4, ESV)

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." (Psalm 33:10-12, NIV)

"'…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'" 
(2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

"In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’s house will be the highest of all – the most important place on earth.  It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.  People from many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD…There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.'  For the LORD's teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem.  The LORD will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes.  They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore." 
(Isaiah 2:2-4, NLT)

"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.  He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.  He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" (Psalm 46:9-10, NIV)

"'No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.'" (John 15:13, AMP)

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

"'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'" (John 8:36, ESV)

"Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:24-25, ESV)

"…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered.  It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever." (Daniel 2:44, NLT)

"'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.'" (Revelation 11:15, ESV)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

CUSTOMER SERVICE WOES

WARNING:

Pet peeve rant ensuing…

Customer service.

I hate to say this, but sometimes the two words don't go together.

I have had recent experience with this.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a letter.

A letter that necessitated action on my part.

And so, of course, since Murphy rules the world sometimes, the letter arrived after hours, on Friday, so I had to wait all weekend to do something about it.

This is one of my nightmares.

I'm a *get it resolved as quickly as possible or I'm not going to be able to stop obsessing thinking about it* kind of girl.

And so, anything that comes to my attention that I can't fix right away, well, it niggles at my mind…

ALL. THE. TIME.

Finally, Monday morning arrived, and I was ready for action.

Evidently, the customer service department was not.

To my great dismay, I could not get past the automated voice system.

I am sorry, but I like talking to a live person!

And usually, I'm able to thwart the system.

Sometimes I'll just keep hitting "0" until Annie Automated gets frustrated with me – (HA – tables turned!) – and transfers me.

Or, sometimes I'll just refuse to press ANY button.

After a handful of repetitions, Annie gets her circuits all twisted – and transfers me.

But this morning, I must have been dealing with Annie's sister, a much savvier and impatient woman named Agatha.

I tried my multiple-0-pushing method.

I tried my sit-and-do-nothing tactic.

I tried.  

And tried.  

And tried.

Nothing worked.

All I got was a disembodied voice that said, "We're sorry you're having trouble. Please try calling again later."

And then the call was disconnected.

GRRR!!!

Unwilling to give up so easily, I actually ended up calling back several times.

Like I wasn't able to fully believe that I was beat.

Until I finally realized how ridiculous it was to keep doing the same thing, with the same futile result, over and over (and perhaps over and over) again.

I finally hunted down another number associated with the company, and tried that.

Imagine my great relief when an automated voice (oh, the irony) told me to wait for the *next available representative*.

That sounded like a person, so I waited.

(Take that, Annie and Agatha…)

I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

For at least 15-20 minutes.

But finally, I was rewarded with a voice.

A real, live, actual, person's voice.

"Can I help you?"

Oh yes indeed, you can.

And, wonder of wonders, this person was actually very helpful (thanks, Nicole!)

When all was said and done, I had spent more than two hours resolving the problem.

Why on earth, you ask?

Let me tell you.


1. Calling "The Hub" to direct him where to find the pertinent paperwork.  (I was out of town at the time).

2. Waiting for him to find the proper paperwork.

(This in itself was like negotiating a peace treaty, in two languages):

"Where is it?"
"In that green file in the second drawer in the filing cabinet."
"Ok, give me a minute..."

(Insert the sound of opening drawers, and rustling paper)

"Is it the file that says_______?"
"No, it's the other one."
"In front of that one?"
"No, behind."
"The one that says_______?"
"Yes!"
"Ok, what do you need?"
"The envelope stapled to the letter."
"Which envelope?"
"The one with my notes on the front."

(More rustling...)

"The one that says_______?"
"Yes!  My hero!!"

(I think you get the picture.  No slam on "The Hub" – it's just that I'm the filing person in our household, and I know exactly where things are.  Trying to convey that information over the phone was challenging for both of us!)

3. Writing down the information he gave me.

4. Double-checking the details (as I wasn't able to look at it…in person!)

5. Multiple phone calls.

6. Wrestling with Annie and Agatha.

7. Searching on the Internet for alternative customer service numbers to call.

8. A coffee break.

9. One phone call, multiple minutes on hold.

10. Yakking about the problem.

11. Writing down everything that transpired.

12. Double-checking that everything was indeed in order so that I wouldn't have to start this time-wasting, mind-numbing process again!!


Suffice it to say, when the problem was finally resolved (thank you!), it was after lunchtime.

Sigh.


OK, I will officially step down from my soapbox now, but the whole situation got me thinking about service in general.

How is the word service defined?

Service – something done to help, be of benefit, or contribute to the welfare of others; useful labor; to wait on

As believers, we are called to service, right?

Well, actually, the more I thought about it, the more I began to realize that we are called to more – not just to give service to others, but to become servants.

Because God is always more concerned with what we are than what we do.

A servant is a person who is devoted to or guided by something – or, in our case, Someone.

Jesus calls us to follow Him, to follow His example.

And He certainly led the way in teaching us what it means to be a servant.


I think of some important things:


1. Be humble

Jesus purposefully, humbly set aside many of the privileges and power of being God.  He deigned to inhabit flesh, condescending to lower Himself to become one of us.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant…" 
(Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)


2. Be unselfish

Servanthood implies an *other-person* orientation in our thoughts and attitudes.  It is the intentional act of looking outward, inside of myopically focusing inward.

Jesus was all about other people.

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)


3. Be available

There’s nothing worse than needing help and not being able to find it.  Being a servant means being accessible, ready, reachable.

Just like Jesus was.

"'Give to everyone who asks you…Do to others as you would have them do to you.'" (Luke 6:30-31, NIV)


4. Be knowledgeable

Part of being a good servant is knowing the Master – what He's like, what He expects, and how best to accomplish His purposes.

Jesus had a close, intimate relationship with the Father.

Being a good servant to others demands that we also know our Lord well.

"But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." (2 Peter 3:18, AMP)


5. Be helpful

This might sound like a no-brainer, but think about it.  How often are we inclined to offer advice, point out flaws, do things our way, fix and fiddle, judge and condemn – all in the name of "serving"?

Jesus always took the time to find out what the other person truly needed.

"…give generously to others in need…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Ephesians 4:28-29, NLT)


6. Be patient

Helping others is sometimes very difficult.  People can be stubborn, and they can work against our best efforts.  They can test us and try us and drive us to distraction.

But Jesus didn't give up on others.

We shouldn't either.

"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]." 
(1 Corinthians 13:7, AMP)


7. Be kind

Have you ever thought about this – Jesus was a gentleman, a gentle man.

His heart was tender and compassionate, merciful and forgiving.  There was a kindness in all His dealings.

We will be much more effective when we serve others if we use honey instead of vinegar.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT)


Customer service.

Sometimes it drives me crazy, because I am anything but served well.

I don't want to be like that…

For I am called to follow Jesus.

Called to be a servant like He was.

Called to acts of service to others as a manifestation of my devotion to Him.

I want to do it well.

I want to be humble, unselfish, available, knowledgeable, helpful, patient, and kind.

I want to lose my life for His sake.


And, just for the record, I am totally looking forward to eternity – when the only customer service I'm planning to deal with will be serving the Lord forever...

...alive and IN PERSON!



Are you busy doing acts of service, or learning how to be a servant?

Anticipation,
anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'...

(by Carly Simon) 

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.  Use them well to serve one another." (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)

"…use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" 
(Galatians 5:13-14, NLT)

"…we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35, NIV)

"…one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant." (Luke 22:26, NASB)

"'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" (Mark 10:45, NLT)

"'And he sat down and called the twelve.  And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'" (Mark 9:35, ESV)

"'Give, and you will receive.  Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.  The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.'" 
(Luke 6:38, NLT)

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

"If someone…sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God's love be in that person?  Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (1 John 3:17-18, NLT)

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" 
(Matthew 25:40, NLT)

"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin.  Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him." (John 13:3-5, NLT)



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HEART SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WISE WOMAN, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, & FAITH, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

TALK TO ME

Conversation.

I think it's a dying art.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about communication.

We have plenty of that!

Technology has made it possible to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world.

And the wonders of social media aren't all bad.

Personally, I'm not on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or any number of other avenues of social media communication.

But, I do love the *instant-ness* of texting – (especially the world of emojis that has opened up for me with the purchase of my new phone!)

And, I am grateful for Blog Land.

I appreciate the gift of written words and the power of their impact.

But, there's a downside to this culture of instant communication.  I believe we've lost the art of face-to-face conversation.  (Though I am encouraged when I see people conversing over their $25 cups of coffee at *$'s…)


I looked up the definitions:

Communication: the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people

Conversation: verbal talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, implying a close familiarity

Conversation is more intentional.

Conversation is more personal.

Conversation is more meaningful.


I recently read a blog post about prayer.

It talked about paying attention to it, and questioning whether we're really conversing with God or just going through the motions.

It convicted me.

Sure, conversation with God is a bit more challenging because He's invisible.

But this doesn't make Him less real.

So as I pondered my relationship with Him, specifically as it concerns prayer, I discovered some things.


First of all, prayer should be a priority.

It's not meant to be an afterthought or an add-on to all the other "spiritual" things I do.

It must be an intentional pursuit.

Jesus didn't take prayer lightly.

He made it the cornerstone of His faith walk with the Father.

And, it often took priority over more "pressing" matters – like noisy crowds and complaining disciples.

Am I concentrating on removing myself for intentional time in prayer?

You know, I could really do with some improvement in this area.

Yes, there is a time and place for *arrow* prayers, and for short snippets of communication with God.

It's OK to kinda *text* Him throughout the day.

But prayer must never be at the bottom of my to-do list.


Second, prayer should be conversation, not just communication.

It's meant to be personal.

God desires that we talk WITH Him, not just AT Him.

He wants a dialogue, not a monologue.

It really helps me to picture the Lord sitting beside me when I talk to Him, just like any other friend.  I picture looking into His eyes, and really being transparent and honest.

Being real…myself.

Sharing my innermost thoughts and most intimate feelings.

But again, conversation is not meant to be a one-way street.

This means that part of prayer is listening to God speak.

For He is an active partner in my prayer life.

He has things to say.  

He wants to be transparent and honest.  He wants to share His innermost thoughts and intimate feelings.

He wants to be real…Himself.

Am I doing all the talking, or am I having a personal, give-and-take conversation with God?

I can do better.


Finally, prayer should be meaningful.

I don't know about you, but in my opinion communication these days seems to be fluff – lots of content, but little substance.

In an instant, we can see a selfie, read a tweet, place a message on a wall.

But honestly, does it really enhance my life to know that so-and-so is doing this-and-that and going here-and-there?

And am I doing that sort of thing with God?

Am I only giving Him tossed-out fragments of my life?

And is that meaning anything to me (or Him) at all?

I've always been a person who enjoys serious conversation.  I'd much rather talk with one person than mingle with a crowd.  And, I don't enjoy staying on the surface – I like my conversations to go beyond superficial or frivolous trading of information.

I want my conversations to go deeply inward.

I want meaning.

And of course, this is how my prayer life should be.


You know, as I ponder this whole thing about prayer, there is one thing that really helps me understand it.

It's putting myself in the place of God.

How does HE feel about it all?

I can only liken it to my relationship with my own children.

And as I ponder what I want out of my relationship with them, and how I want our communication to be, I believe that I gain some valuable insight into how God feels about prayer.

(If you don't have children, try to picture someone in your life that you love, that you're in a relationship with.  I know you can ask the same questions…)


How hard would it be if they rarely talked to me at all?

And what if they were always too busy, in a rush, or distracted when we finally did speak to one another?

What if I wasn't a priority?

Wouldn't I feel lonely and ignored?


How might I feel if they talked to me like I was a stranger?

Or if they did all the talking and never let me share myself?

Wouldn't I feel sad?


And what would it feel like if they only talked to me when they needed or wanted something from me?

What if they never talked to me just for the delight of conversation?

And honestly, wouldn't I grow tired if every time we spoke they were upset, complaining, slightly angry with me, disappointed in something, impatient, or any other negative feeling?

Wouldn't I wish to also hear their joy, and excitement, and laughter?


How much would it hurt to think that they took me for granted?  

("Oh yeah, Mom's always there")

And what if they never spoke about their appreciation for my presence in their lives?

Or never told me they loved me?

Wouldn’t I feel dejected by that?


Thinking this way really makes me stop and think about how I talk to God.

And then I begin to understand how our conversations are supposed to be.

Intentional.

Personal.

Meaningful.

God wants to hear from me just the way I want to hear from my own children.

Frequently, in appreciation, just for fun, in need or want, honestly, and affectionately.


Yes, when it comes right down to it, prayer really isn't that mysterious.

It's just God and us and open hearts.

Quick chats and deep dialogue.

One-on-one, back-and-forth, give-and-take, talking and listening.

Two people who deeply love each other, desiring each other's company, just sitting down to share with one another.


Talk to God.

Listen to Him.

And be forever changed by the conversation!



How's your prayer life – are you having real conversation with God?

I just called to say
I love you.
I just called to say
how much I care.
I just called to say
I love you.
And I mean it
from the bottom
of my heart.

My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them.


(Lyrics by Stevie Wonder)

This is a lot of Scripture, but it's oh-so-good!


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Philippians 4:6, NIV)

"Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, NLT)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (1 John 5:14, NIV)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.'" (Jeremiah 29:12-13, ESV)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…" (Colossians 4:2, NASB)

"'And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.'" (Matthew 6:7-8, NIV)

"'But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.'" (Matthew 6:6, NLT)

"'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)

"In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears." (Psalm 18:6, AMP)

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27, NASB)

"The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." (1 Peter 4:7, NIV)

"The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God – it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]." (James 5:16, AMP)

"Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3, NLT)

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night…" (Psalm 92:1-2, NASB)

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17, KJV)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, AMP)


"Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen."

(Matthew 6:9-13, AMP)



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

According to TV and the tabloids, we are entering "Awards Season."

That time of year when various awards are bestowed upon individuals in the entertainment industry.

(By the way, is it just me, or does it seem like new award shows are being added like new Bowl games?  How many are there now, like 100???)

I occasionally like to watch the Academy Awards.

I find it enjoyable, and I really like looking at what people wear.  

Honestly, sometimes it's glamour, sometimes it's glitz, and sometimes it's just downright gaudy or gross.  (But, it is kinda fun…)

One thing I've noticed, though, is that it's usually the *best* award-winners that get all the attention and press.

Whatever happened to the best supporting role players?

They are also deserving of attention.  Their portrayal of character enables the plot to move forward, and adds shades of nuance to the storyline.

And often, a background player makes the stars shine, because the role that they play enhances the performance of the main actor/actress.


Today I would like to take a look at a *Best Supporting Actor* in the New Testament – 

Joseph.

This year I have decided to just start reading the New Testament.  I'm not going to follow any plan, but intend to just read and let it all soak in.

So, I've been reading in Matthew.

And, I have been newly fascinated by the person of Joseph.

The Bible doesn't say much about Joseph, and the last time we hear about him is in Luke, chapter 2, when Jesus is found in the Temple.

But, in Matthew, I think we can glean quite a lot about him.

First of all, just as God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, one would have to assume that He also intentionally chose Joseph to be Jesus' stepfather.

Joseph must have possessed the character traits that God wanted to be taught to Jesus as He grew from a baby into a child and young man.

Thinking back to that scene in the Temple (Luke 2:51-52, AMP):

"[Jesus] went down to Nazareth with them [Mary and Joseph], and was continually submissive and obedient to them…And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men."


I believe two things can be inferred about Joseph from these verses.

One, that Joseph was a strong father, and maintained proper control over his household.  Jesus was obedient and submissive to him, and obedience always follows respect.

Secondly, Jesus grew in stature and favor.  Again, Joseph must have set a good example of a good man, a faithful man, a man to be followed and emulated.

Yes, of course, Jesus' true Father was God, and He experienced the close presence of the Holy Spirit.

But He was also human.  

And I am quite sure that His earthly father, Joseph, was a man of great character, instilling values and godly principles in the son that God had entrusted to his care.

I am sure Joseph loved Jesus, and Jesus loved him back.


But, I am going to go back to the book of Matthew, and it is here, in the very beginning, that I see something quite special about Joseph.

He was a man of obedience.

Three separate times, God sent a messenger to speak to Joseph.  Three separate times, Joseph was given a mission.

Three times obedience asked something terribly difficult, terribly demanding.

And each and every time, Joseph obeyed.

I'd like to look at those incidences more closely…


1) Take Mary as your wife

So, Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant.  And they are not yet married, and he knows that he is not the father of the baby.

Well, in a kindly way, Joseph decided to handle the situation quietly.  Joseph must have loved Mary, for he did not want to bring her shame.

"And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly." (Matthew 1:19, AMP)

Did you notice?

Joseph, a just and righteous man – clues to his character.

But then…Someone intervened:

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying…" (vs. 20)

Yes, the angel came with instructions.

"Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…" (vs. 24)


What does Joseph do?

He obeys.


Joseph obeyed, even when it went against social standards, even when it wasn't popular, even when obedience might bring judgment, gossiping tongues, and maybe even ostracization from family, friends, and neighbors.


Lesson One: OBEDIENCE MIGHT BE UNPOPULAR, AND MAY LEAD TO OPPOSITION AND PERSECUTION


2) Flee to Egypt

So, after the visit of the Magi, there are more instructions for Joseph.

"Now when they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up!  Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod intends to search for the Child in order to destroy Him.'" (Matthew 2:13, AMP)


What does Joseph do?

He obeys.


But get this, he does it immediately!

"So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt." (vs. 14)

The Bible is not clear on how old Jesus was when this trip took place.  But, he was still quite young.

Have you ever tried to travel with a very young child?

It is NOT. EASY. AT. ALL.

Can you picture the scene?

Joseph awakened in the middle of the night, woke up Mary, bundled up his precious family, and began the trek to a foreign country.

Check out a map – Israel to Egypt is a looong trip.

(It took Moses and the Israelites forever to get there – of course, they did have that 40-year sidetrack thing…)

And this journey did not have the luxury of planes, trains, or automobiles.

Joseph obeyed, immediately and without question, even when it was troublesome, time-consuming, difficult, and treacherous.


Lesson Two: OBEDIENCE MIGHT BE INCONVENIENT AND DEMANDING, PERHAPS EVEN DANGEROUS


3) Return to Israel

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus went to Egypt.

And they stayed there, just as Joseph had been told to do, until further instructions arrived.

"But when Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, 'Get up!  Take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel…'" (Matthew 2:19-20, AMP)


What does Joseph do?

He obeys.


They make the long trip from Egypt to Israel once again.

And here, we read another clue about Joseph's character:

"But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod [the Great], he was afraid to go there." (vs. 22)

Joseph listened to the news!

He was aware, and pondered wisely what he heard.

And because of what he heard, this father was concerned about protecting his young family.  Joseph took care to shield and shelter his family, to watch over them, to offer them security and safety.

Joseph went on guard, and waited to hear from the Lord.

One more time, instructions came:

"Then being warned by God in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee, and went and settled in a city called Nazareth." (vs. 22-23)

Again, instructions – again, Joseph obeyed.

Joseph returned to his home country, yes, but he arrived to an unknown destiny.

Did he know everything that the future held?

Most likely not, but he did know that this child entrusted to him was special.

So he came back home and waited for God to reveal the plan as it unfolded.


Lesson Three: OBEDIENCE MIGHT LEAD TO AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE, AND PATIENT WAITING FOR GOD TO REVEAL HIS PLANS


In all three glimpses into the character of Joseph, we are taught much about him, the man of God, and about his character, and his unquestioning obedience to the call and will of God.

Let's picture a theater marquee in shining lights…

***THE BIRTH OF CHRIST!!***

Starring: The Child, Jesus, and The Virgin Mary!

Also co-starring: Joseph

One might be tempted to consider Joseph a bit player, a sidenote, an incidental character in the great epic film about the birth of the Messiah – an "oh-yeah-him-too" kind of thing.

Oh no!

He is the Best Supporting Actor in the whole drama!!

A man of righteousness, an honest and honorable man, a most faithful and godly man, whose obedience to God made the stars shine…


It is not without a chuckle that I read my daily devotional this morning from "Daily with the King" by W. Glyn Evans.

It was all about obedience – (well of course it was!)

Not "I will obey if…"

But…

"I will obey regardless…"


Not a matter of feeling, but of faith.

Not a matter of convenience, but of commitment.

Not a matter of desire, but of devotion.  

Not a matter of my will, but of His.


Yes, Lord.

I desire to do Your will, my God.
Your law is within my heart.

I press on toward the goal
to win the prize
for which
God has called me
heavenward. 

"I find the doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans." ~ George Macdonald

"Beware of reasoning about God's Word – obey It." ~ Oswald Chambers

"Just as a servant knows that he must first obey his master in all things, so the surrender to an implicit and unquestionable obedience must become the essential characteristic of our lives." ~ Andrew Murray


***(Be sure to check out my DAILY GRATEFUL WORDS on the sidebar, and further thoughts on those words on my new page DAILY GRATEFUL THOUGHTS found here!  The updated A WORD FROM THE WORD, A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD, and FOOD FOR THOUGHT are also found on the sidebar.)***


"…'What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?  Listen!  Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, NLT)

"When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments…" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, AMP)

"'And now…listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live…'" (Deuteronomy 4:1, ESV)

"'Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, so that it may be well with you.'" (Jeremiah 7:23, AMP)

"'…we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.'" (Acts 5:32, AMP)

"Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.  In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him." 
(Hebrews 5:8-9, NLT)

"'You are my friends if you do what I command you.'" (John 15:14, ESV)

"'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'" (John 14:23, NIV)

"And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts." (2 John 1:6, AMP)

"'Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?  Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.'" (Luke 6:46-48, ESV)

"'We must obey God rather than any human authority.'" (Acts 5:29, NLT)

"I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations." (Psalm 119:30, NLT)

"Whether we like it or not, we will obey the LORD our God…For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us." (Jeremiah 42:6, NLT)

"Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands." (Psalm 112:1, NLT)

"'If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God…by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live…'" (Deuteronomy 30:16, ESV)

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17, NIV)



In what areas do you find it especially difficult to be obedient?



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"