Dead Worms

“Evil people self-destruct; those who hate the godly are punished. The Lord rescues his servants; all who take shelter in him escape punishment.” (Psalm 34:21-22 NET)

As I let my dog out this morning, I noticed my back porch was covered in dead earthworms. This is a common occurrence in the spring after a heavy rain. Earthworms thrive in moist soil since they breathe through their skin. When it rains, the wet conditions allow them to migrate overland. As long as the air around them is damp, they can survive, but if they are stuck on concrete when the air dries out, they shrivel up and die.

The dead worms reminded me of myself. I need to be saturated by God’s presence to thrive. When I’m burrowed in Scripture and prayer, when my thoughts are focused on God’s purpose, when I am operating under the influence of the Spirit--I do well. However, I don’t always stay under God’s protective covering. When conditions seem favorable, I creep to the surface where I can move about according to my own will. At first, all seems fine--I’m surrounded by other worms, and we are all squirming around without restrictions. Yet, it’s only a matter of time before we all self-destruct.

Lord, may we constantly seek you. Do not let us stray away from Your presence. Saturate us in Your Spirit. For we live and move and have our being in You.

Fighting Against Evil

“They walk all over your people, GOD,

Exploit and abuse your precious people.” (Psalm 94:5 MSG)

I’ve been hearing about human trafficking for years, but I always assumed it was something that happened in faraway countries; then, I read a report about a few local cases. It was hard to imagine that this sort of exploitation could be happening so close to me, and that I might have inadvertently supported businesses that engage in abuse. I have been researching this subject lately and would like to share some of the information I found:

“While the victims may sometimes be kept behind locked doors, they are often hidden right in front of us at, for example, construction sites, restaurants, elder care centers, nail salons, agricultural fields, and hotels.” (U.S. Department of State)

Here are a few red flags that could indicate that a victim is being coerced into working for someone:

• Living with employer
• Poor living conditions
• Multiple people in cramped space
• Inability to speak to individual alone
• Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
• Employer is holding identity documents
• Signs of physical abuse
• Submissive or fearful
• Unpaid or paid very little
• Under 18 and in prostitution

All human beings are precious in God’s eyes. There is no denying that exploitation and abuse are evil. Fighting evil requires us to be informed and alert--to advocate for those who are powerless to seek help for themselves.

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My Light

“Jesus once again addressed them: ‘I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.’" (John 8:12 MSG)

Every year, a nearby farmer sets up a ‘haunted’ corn maze for Halloween.  As you attempt to find your way out of this dark and disorienting maze, scary things keep popping up. Even after you have gone through several sections, it is still creepy. You’re never sure how long it will take before you get through. I’m sure the whole experience would be much less intimidating if the guy who designed the maze went ahead carrying a bright flashlight.

Experience can increase understanding, but not always. For example, two people can go through similar circumstances and come out with different levels of growth and insights. Thrill seekers prefer to figure out their own way, even if it involves stumbling through the dark. God designed every aspect of our lives. He knows every turn. Jesus is the light that guides us down the right path. His revelations uncover mysteries that are beyond normal human capacity to comprehend. Those who follow Him are imbued with divine intuition and wisdom.

Jesus, You provide plenty of light to live in. Grant us insight and understanding as we walk with You through the intricacies of life.

Hollow Philosophies

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NIV)

I got a new coffee cup that was hand-painted in cheerful colors. It’s very pretty, but it has a hollow handle. I microwaved some water in it recently. When I reached for the handle, I burned my fingers. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that I have been burned by attractive, yet hollow, things.

Religious communities often promote conformity to shallow interpretations that are appealing to the masses. Congregations of like-minded people get together to reinforce current societal values and human traditions. They  get mesmerized by these hollow philosophies which prevent them from truly seeking Christ. Although these social clubs can be comforting and enriching during normal times, the superficial faith that they peddle can become a liability in times of great crises.

For years, I followed the teachings of the church without question. It was my primary social group, and I enjoyed the sense of belonging it provided. It provided quick answers to my moral dilemmas and gave order to my thoughts. However, when my questions got intricate and passionate, I was left with feelings of emptiness, pain, and confusion. I realized I needed more. These days, I seek out time alone with Christ. I reach out to Him in good days and bad. Sometimes I talk to Him; other times I just sit silently and listen. I express my thoughts and ask questions. His answers are never hollow, yet they require devotion, discipline, and discernment.

Jesus, I belong to you

Help me not to be lured by assurances of inclusion

Nor get caught up in hollow philosophies

Instead, let me come close to You

And experience Your fullness.

Praying Psalm 25

The following is a paraphrase of Psalm 25. I wrote it out as a prayer for a loved one:

Lord, I am trusting You to take care of _____

I lift up his spirit to You.

Show him Your ways

Guide him to truth

Point out every instance of Your mercy and love

Redirect him when he is lost

Hold his hand and lead him step-by-step

Show him how to settle down in Your presence

Keep watch over him

Mold his life with Your skilled hands

Preserve him with integrity and honesty

I am relying on You, God; I know You won’t let me down.

National Pride

“I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains.‘Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down,” says the LORD.” (Obadiah 1:1-4 NLT)

Like every other nation, America is filled with patriotic citizens who believe that our own country is the best. Even though things may not be perfect right now, we feel that it’s just a matter of time; a change in leadership, a few tweaks in policy, and the country will be great again. National pride can deceive us into imagining that our country’s flaws are inconsequential, especially in comparison to other places. We look down from our high and lofty seat at those who are less privileged and powerful. How dare they criticize us when we have the biggest economy, the mightiest military, and the most beautiful land?

Pride, in any form, can be pernicious--even when we call it by other names such as self-confidence, superiority, or nationalism. Self-absorbed people cannot know God intimately. Those who look condescendingly at the powerless are unable to notice Christ in their midst. Jesus modeled servant-leadership. We are called to love our neighbors, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality.

My Hope

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7 NLT)

I hope ________

Take a few minutes to fill in the blank with whatever your heart desires.

I hope...for a good marriage, for my son to have a bright future, for all of my loved ones to be healthy and safe. I hope that we may all know and love God. I hope our life has meaning and purpose.

What is the basis for our hopes? Are our expectations dependent on a set of circumstances, or are they centered on God?

Pessimism can be like a disease that causes hope to wilt; despair can spread like a fungus. Faith gives roots to hope--grounding, strengthening, and nourishing it--enabling it to flourish and grow. When our hope stems from full confidence in God, it is no longer wishful thinking; we wait expectantly, knowing God is trustworthy and dependable.

Lord, my hope is based on Your reputation. I shall wait in joyful anticipation to see how you are going to work things out.