Shine Through

“Our faces shining with the brightness of his face.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG)

Last Sunday, my family and I attended a different church service than usual. As I turned around to greet those sitting behind me, I looked into the glowing face of an older woman. The light which exuded from her was internal, not the result of any cosmetics. Next, I shook the hand of a young man who was sitting near her. He seemed to have some sort of disability. I realized that this man was the lady’s son.

I have been thinking about the glowing lady and her son this past week. Despite the obvious difficulties she faces, the Spirit of Christ within her shines through. What is her secret? Could it be that she trusts God to take care of her and her son?

I, too, have a young adult son. I worry about him regularly--When will he graduate from college and be able to support himself?  Will he mature into a kind, sensible, responsible man some day? Does my constant worrying suppress God’s spirit from shining through? I want to be free of these barriers of fear and worry. I want to trust God completely, so that I too may shine with the brightness of His spirit.

“To trust when there is no cause for fear is but the name of faith, but to be reliant upon God when occasions for alarm are abundant and pressing is the conquering faith of God’s elect.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Customs and Costumes

“Figure out what pleases Christ and then do it.” (Ephesians 5:10 MSG)

Every culture has a set of accepted customs that it deems appropriate--behaviors, etiquette, attitudes, and standards that are adopted by the majority of the group. Those who think or act differently are considered rebels, outcasts, and threats to an orderly society. The desire to belong and be accepted is part of human nature. This motivates us to move with the herd and not ask too many questions. Like actors on a stage, we don the costumes that are laid out for us, repeat the lines that are handed to us, and play the roles that other people expect of us. We are held captive by the applause and the accolades.

What drives you? Is it the desire to belong, to be admired, to be accepted, to meet or exceed the expectations of those around you? Are you constrained by the herd and pushed along prescribed pathways that are not meant for you? Is your motivation extrinsic or intrinsic?

God created each of us with a unique purpose. In order to discern His will for us, we have to become familiar with His voice and guidance. He asked us to follow Him--not the herd. The customs and costumes of this world can be binding, holding us back from expressing the spirit within us. We need to get away, to meet with our Lord in intimate nooks, and to walk beside Him in wide open spaces. As we get to understand God and what pleases Him, we are motivated to fulfill the purpose for which we were specifically designed.

Constant Presence

“When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God.” (Isaiah 43:2 MSG)

When you are in over your head, whom do you turn to?

When you are in rough waters, what do you reach for?

When you’re between a rock and a hard place, how do you react?

Most of us grasp desperately for anything that will distract, numb, or make us feel better at that moment. We want immediate relief for the pain, panic, and despondency that threaten to suffocate us. Many reach for alcohol, narcotics, gambling, food, sex, shopping, electronic amusements, or distracting getaways. We settle for the transient relief that these diversions bring. These detours are like rest stops on the side of  highways--the ‘rest’ is limited, and the locations are often unsafe.  

There is a better way--a more substantive, sustainable solace is available for those who are willing to seek it. We have a God who is personal, constant, and available. But, this God cannot be accessed by a quick side trip off the path of our own agenda. No, this God is a destination unto Himself. Once we leave the congested worldly ways, with their endless billboards and beguilements, we are able to recognize God. We start noticing the changes in us and around us. We loosen our grip on control. We become less tense. We let go of our addiction for approval. The further we travel, the deeper the peace. The more we trust, the more we are able to relax. We give in to God, whose constant presence envelops us with love and acceptance.

Gossip

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” (Proverbs 11:13 NLT)

Gossip is frowned upon in Christian circles--but it still happens. It is often camouflaged as prayer requests, concern for others, sharing in love, and lessons learned from other people’s experiences. Those who are transparent about their own issues often feel it’s ok to share what they have heard. People have different privacy boundaries. Perhaps you would freely share your medical issues with everyone, but another person might not. Or maybe you would talk about your relational problems, parenting struggles, finances, addictions, etc., but the person who is dealing with it might be more private.

Maintaining confidences among a group of friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, or church members can be a complicated dance. You have to pretend you don’t know things you might know. Sometimes you may have to change the subject. Instead of appearing trustworthy,  you may seem dishonest, uncaring, or unaware.

There are times when secrets can be harmful--especially in  cases of abuse or criminal behavior. In these cases, the appropriate individuals must be notified to avoid more harm to all those involved. In all other situations, it is better to not share information about others unless you have their permission to do so. If you have to talk about weaknesses, reveal your own, not that of others.  

“Be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, you build the trust of those who are present.” (Stephen Covey)

Assimilated into Holiness

“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT)

For the last few decades, I’ve helped several immigrants learn English. Many of  them have come to the U.S. as adults. Most of them already know how to read, write, and speak some English. However, their accents, their limited vocabulary, and their difficulties with grammar become major barriers to communication. They imagine that when they sound like an American, they will feel more Americanized. In my experience, the crossover is much more intrinsic; it is when one starts thinking in English, when one starts looking at things from an American perspective, that the change happens. This may or may not ever happen to someone who moved to this country as an adult.  

Many Christians strive to look and sound spiritual. They go to church weekly, quote Bible verses, and surround themselves with Christian paraphernalia. They might delude themselves and others into thinking that they have made a conversion. However, until a life is renewed from the inside out, the change is superfluous. True followers of Christ think from God’s perspective. Our thoughts and attitudes are influenced by the Spirit. These changes may be subtle at first. We develop new habits. Our values shift. Eventually we become assimilated into holiness. In time, we willingly renounce our old identities and are able to see ourselves in a new way: as  beloved and belonging to God.

Wake of Destruction

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6 NLT)

Any form of criticism, whether constructive or not, can be difficult to stomach. However, it is better to receive helpful insights from a sincere friend than empty flattery from someone who is trying to manipulate you.

How can you tell if an individual is harmful or not? Look at their past encounters. Some people leave a wake of destruction everywhere they go. These people remind me of a weed killer I use called Roundup herbicide. I spray it only in areas where I want nothing to grow. The results are not immediate, but in a few days, all the plants that were sprayed turn yellow, wilt, and die. Similarly, insincere individuals spray flattery and pretense, telling everyone what they want to hear as they pass by. Their words, their attention, their gifts--are calculated. Those who intend to take advantage of others will use every weapon at their disposal--fawning and cajolery at first, followed  by  whining and insults if they don’t get their way. Everything they do is meant to benefit themselves. It is only a matter of time before their poison takes effect, destroying everyone in its path.

Sincere friends, on the other hand, are like soaker hoses--unassuming, porous, and constantly nurturing. They cultivate growth wherever they go. Their generous spirits empower others to flourish. Being around them inspires us to be better human beings.

“Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Good Relationships

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV)

Do you have good relationships with your family and friends? Can you be real with each other? Do you bring out the best in each other?

Sincere relationships are characterized by several key elements: authenticity, acceptance, appreciation, accountability, transparency, kindness, respect, honesty, encouragement, availability, and consistency. In contrast, relationships where there is a steady stream of competitiveness, criticism, condescension, dishonesty, flattery, disrespect, and fickleness, are counterfeit and thus meaningless.  

Relationships are a lot like investments--some merely drain you, while others bring growth. Sometimes one person profits, while the other loses everything. If someone seems to bring out the worst characteristics in you, that should be a red flag. You might feel good around certain people that are fun to hang out with, at least initially--but that doesn’t mean they are good for you.  Genuine relationships promote growth, awareness, and virtue, while bad company corrupts good character. Invest your time and energy in meaningful relationships. Lead each other to fullness of purpose, righteousness, and authentic satisfaction.

Antidote to Despair

“A garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

New runners tend to wear heavier clothes than necessary. They dress for the beginning of the run rather than the end--forgetting that the body heats up after a few miles. Experienced runners dress in lighter, cooler clothes, anticipating what is to come. Even though it might seem ridiculous to dress in shorts and t-shirts when it is chilly outside, even though they are uncomfortable in the beginning, they know they are appropriately attired for the finish.

When faced with adversity, most of us slip into a spirit of heaviness. We focus on the present conditions rather than on what is to come. The antidote to despair is praise and trust in God. It might seem foolish to don the garment of praise when things seem bleak. However, those who have experienced Christ know that there is no better covering. It frees us from oppressive fear and allows us to move forward without the burden of worry. We leap confidently, reminding ourselves of God’s power and providence. We willingly suffer the discomfort of our present life, because we know what to expect at the finish. 

Potter

“O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8 NLT)

Watching a master potter at work is deeply satisfying. He forms the clay into a lump with his hands, adding just the right amount of water. Then he throws the clay on a wheel and shapes it evenly, applying pressure inside and out at appropriate times. He molds the clay to fit his vision, straightening out any mishaps along the way. He uses specific tools to scrape off excess mud, sculpt the perfect shape, and make patterns. Finally, he puts his initials on the pot before he fires the pot in a kiln.

God is a master potter who forms us carefully and intentionally. Everything He makes is functional and perfect. He applies the right amount of pressure--pulling, pinching, straightening, filing, and smoothing at proper times. He knows what He is doing.

Lord, straighten out our world-warped thoughts. Mold us with Your capable hands into containers that can hold and distribute Your grace.

Ode to Solitude

“Don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. (1 Corinthians 7:17 MSG)

I love taking pictures of ordinary moments--sunlight illuminating a farm pond, a man with his dog, wildflowers swaying in the breeze, knee-high corn, apples on a tree, a mom jogging while she pushes a stroller, a red-capped woodpecker with a worm in its beak, a smiling friend, my dog as she sleeps by my feet, my husband and son playing their guitars...

Commonplace incidents often go unnoticed and unappreciated. However, since cell phone cameras are usually handy these days, capturing these moments takes very little effort or premeditation. It’s just a matter of paying attention and being amazed by the marvels around us.

When we are visiting faraway places, we are always on the lookout for wonderful moments and images. Yet, we frequently trip over miracles closer to home. Contentment is a treasure that must be uncovered within ourselves; it cannot be found in exotic places or exciting encounters. We can be awed by everyday health, providence, quietness, clarity, love, beauty, comfort, stability, security, and peace. There is magic in the mundane. The ability to recognize this is a blessing. This gift, like a seed, must be cultivated in order for it to develop fully. Train your eyes to seek out the miraculous. Conscientiously scan your life for God’s benevolence. Exult in the prevalent wonders that surround you.

“Blest, who can unconcernedly find

 Hours, days, and years slide soft away,

 In health of body, peace of mind,

Quiet by day.”

(“Ode on Solitude”  by Alexander Pope)

Followship vs. Fellowship

“They follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger;” (John 10:4-5 NLT)

Churches, temples, and mosques are great for fellowship. These places allow like-minded people to gather, socialize, and mutually support each other. Any group of people with similar interests can provide the same benefits. For example, I am part of a running group that meets several times a week. They hold me accountable and keep me motivated. J.R.R. Tolkien, in The Fellowship of the Ring, described how a band of companions can work towards advancing a common cause. Social alliances can be persuasive and profitable in many situations.

Many Christian churches are set up to promote fellowship among their members. However, Christ taught us to follow the Shepherd, not the other sheep. He asked us to imitate Him. He urged us to rely on Him for providence, protection, encouragement, and strength--not on each other. Follow-ship, the willingness to take direction from the One who leads, is much more valuable than mere fellowship.

Lord, may I rely on You, instead of on those around me. Help me to remember that I can no more meet their needs than they can mine. Grant that I may recognize Your voice over the cacophony of society.

Hiding Place

“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.” (Psalm 32:7 NLT)

Like a refugee fleeing from trouble, I have looked for sanctuary in many different places--relationships, vacations, achievements, distractions, pleasure, food, and sleep. Unfortunately, all of these have proven to be transitory rest stops instead of being safe havens.  When I was in college, I knew a girl who always went home to her parents when she needed a safe place to hole up for a while. Her parents kept her old room ready. If she needed help of any kind, all she had to do was call, and one of them showed up the next day.

Where do you turn to in times of distress?

The Psalmist says that God is his hiding place. He knows he can go home to His Father’s presence in times of trouble. We are the sons and daughters of an available God. He is eager for us to seek Him at all times. He doesn’t go off on vacation; He always makes room for us. In Him we find shelter, protection, and restoration.

Lord, I am weary and burdened. Show me the way into Your presence so I can find rest in Your company.

Discernment

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives.” (Philippians 1:9-10 NLT)

I come from a line of Indians who have an uncanny knack for assessing the weight and purity of gold. As a young woman, I grew accustomed to relatives who would reach out and touch each other’s jewelry, weighing it in their hands to see if it was real gold or fake.

I don’t know much about gold, but I do have the ability to tell if a person is genuine or not. Most people are a blend of authenticity and inconsistency. I’ve come to realize that this is the norm and to take my time in getting to know them. Sometimes I sense that a person is disingenuous as soon as I meet him. I promptly start putting up defensive walls and pulling my loved ones away from him. In contrast, when I meet someone who is pure and golden, I immediately want to associate with  him and bask in his radiance.

I wish every one of us could understand what really matters and live pure blameless lives. But, until that happens, I pray that we may all develop the discernment to tell the difference between good and evil.

Gratitude Glasses

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21 NIV)

Funny story...

My mom is in her mid-seventies and has a habit of not wearing her reading glasses in public. We were at a Chinese restaurantwhere all the food is served buffet style. Every dish was labeled clearly. After we all got our food and sat down at the table, my mom complained that her soup was not that good. We looked over and noticed that what she had in her soup bowl was sweet and sour sauce. She had misread the label and thought it was hot and sour soup!

Vanity and ungratefulness often go hand in hand. When we refuse to wear our gratitude glasses, we fail to recognize the abundant grace that surrounds us. When we refuse to acknowledge God and thank Him for everything, we succumb to foolishness and confusion.

Gratitude allows us to see clearly. Instead of squinting sourly at our circumstances, we look at things under the light of thankfulness. This changes our perception, enabling us to interpret every situation as a potential blessing. Our consciousness evolves beyond our egos and personal agenda. We become aware of God’s providence as well as our powerlessness.

The Process

“Be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” (1 Peter 4:13 MSG)

When we are blinded by pain, it is difficult to recognize God. We just want to fast forward and be done with the adversity. However, the refining process, where our lives are transformed from crude to purposeful, cannot be rushed or avoided.  

“If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish—His purpose is the process itself.” (Utmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers)

God is more concerned with how we handle the process than He is with the outcome. The process is the purpose. Do we learn to lean on God with dependence and trust? Can we remain at peace, devoted and confident in God’s goodness and faithfulness? Are we able to surrender, to hand over everything, and to let God have His way?

The Purpose

“We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here.” (John 9:4 MSG)

Why are we here? What is our purpose? These are questions that many of us ask ourselves. Jesus knew that we needed to be energetically at work for the One who sent Him.

How can we fulfill this purpose? Like campaign workers who believe passionately in their candidate, we give ourselves unreservedly to the cause. A campaign requires people with diverse skill sets: those who are good at canvassing, communications, outreach, education, activism, fundraising, technology, etc. However, the commitment to the candidate outweighs the giftedness of the worker.

Rest

“Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7 NASB)

“Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7 GWT)

The word ‘surrender’ has negative connotations--meaning giving up and accepting defeat. The word ‘rest’, on the other hand, has positive  undertones of peace and refreshment. Surrendering to God is equivalent to rest. When we hand over all in trust, leaving everything in God’s hands, it brings relief and freedom.

Wait patiently for Him...

I used to think that this meant I should patiently wait while God fixed whatever issue I handed over to Him, like a kid who takes a broken toy to her father. Now I realize I am the one who is broken, and I am to wait for him to restore my heart, my attitude, and my perspective.  

Lord, I leave myself in Your hands, because You are faithful.

Faithful

 “If we give up on him, he does not give up - for there's no way he can be false to himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)

God’s love is faithful, unconditional, and infinite. This is the essence of who HE is. Even if we give up on Him, He remains true to His nature. Like any good parent, He wants to have a close relationship with His children, but He understands that the intensity of our feelings toward Him can’t be equally reciprocal.

God created humans with the capacity to enjoy intimacy. As St. Augustine of Hippo said: “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.”

It is part of our nature to desire to know and be known. Like a cell phone searching to connect with a tower, we keep restlessly seeking--to be loved, valued, accepted, and understood. We look to other humans first, because they are nearby and tangible. Once we realize they cannot fulfill our deepest longing, we expand our search area. Our soul reaches beyond the physical to the spiritual realm--homing in on the primordial desire for a love that is  faithful, unconditional, and infinite.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

(Thomas Chisholm)

Windy Days

 “It's God's Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible.” (Job 32:8 MSG)

Windy days are usually not good for running. It all depends on the direction you are facing and the intensity of the wind. A headwind can add resistance, thus decreasing a runner’s speed. However, running with the wind at your back can make things easier. Also, on a hot day, a gentle breeze can feel refreshing. Before I go out for a run, I look out my window to check the weather. It’s easy to tell if it’s sunny or rainy, but wind conditions are not as obvious. The wind is not visible on its own, but I can see it in the yielding trees and swaying bushes.

The Spirit is like the wind; we can hear it and feel it, if we pay attention. We make the Spirit visible by its effect on us. When we move against the Spirit, we encounter resistance, which impedes our progress. In contrast, when we are motivated by the Spirit, we advance by leaps and bounds, moving forward in a state of flow.

“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” (Corrie Ten Boom)

Face the Light

“You will open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from Satan's control to God's.” (Acts 26:18 GWT)

My husband is a good photographer. He tries to check the lighting before taking pictures of people. I, on the other hand, am more concerned about the background--flowers, monuments, beaches, sunsets, mountains, waterfalls--I will try to get my family to pose for pictures in front of beautiful scenery even if they are facing away from the light. The result is backlit, shadowed, and dark images.  

The tendency to focus on my surroundings rather than the light source is an underlying issue that haunts me. When I am oppressed by fear and anxiety, I know I am turned away from the light. These dark emotions are not from God.  For God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. My mental state is a good indicator of which way I’m facing. When I am discouraged, burdened, and anxious, I know it is time to do an about-face, to turn away from Satan’s control and look to God’s light.