The Pearl,the Highest Treasure

JANUARY 1 2017

A new year, new beginnings, but what is a year in God’s calendar? After all, a day in His sight is as thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day. Life passes buy with the speed of a freight train “life is but a vapor…vanity (mere breath), all is vanity (mere breath).” I sometimes feel dizzy, other times a bit cynical as the days march relentlessly on. “Only one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” We’ve all heard this little ditty, yet it is true.  I’m not usually one for New Year’s resolutions, but here it is.  Psalm 73 will be my psalm for this year:

Truly God is good to (me-Rebekah), to such as are pure in heart. I must keep that truth before me.  To believe that no matter what, He is good.  The psalmist then pours out his frustration, anger, hurt at the prosperity of the wicked.  They have life so easy, always prosperous, no problems, getting away with “murder” (literally), bragging about their wickedness, shaking their fists in God’s face, laughing at God and defying Him blatantly.  That hasn’t changed in the last millennia or so. 

The psalmist feels (as I, we often do) that his own walk of integrity, of purity has been in vain.  He is greatly vexed, doesn’t understand and is angry with God. (It is comforting to know we can pour out anger and frustration to God, at God and He allows it, understands.) I too find it disconcerting, confusing, scary too as I read about the infernal war in Syria that seems to be unending, read horrific testimonies of precious believers persecuted, threatened beaten and imprisoned because they take a stand for Jesus, hear of those who have lost everything for walking with Him, children without parents, suffering everywhere….doesn’t God care, will He act? Where is He? I wonder and agonize.

The writer admits it is too painful for him, he can’t get a handle on it all. UNTIL, (thank God for the until) he goes into the house of God, spends time in God’s presence, meditates on the final destiny of those who commit atrocities, defying God.  Only then he understands; God will arise, it is a slippery path the wicked are on, they will pay the consequences, God is not slumbering, only waiting, patiently until the time to act.  The psalmist now recognizes his foolishness, and is vexed over his attitudes.  It’s like he too has awakened from sleep, or is now seeing through glass clearly where before all was clouded and shady.  Now he can say-

Nevertheless I am continually with You: You hold me by my right hand, You will guide me with Your counsel and afterward You will receive me to glory.

Glorious truth, God knows our hearts, He understands and does not condemn our doubts, even our rantings.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You,- cries out the writer.  My friend Mirna says we read this part wrong, it is God speaking to us, “Nothing I desire on earth beside you”, God desires me, I am His highest treasure!

 My heart and my flesh may fail; but God (BUT GOD!!) is the strength of my heart and my portion forever….But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.

That’s it, my New Year’s resolution, to desire God above all else, to be near to God, to trust in Him, focus on Him. Then I will proclaim, share and even shout about His wonderful deeds and about this amazing God. But how am I to draw near to Him?  Distractions, problems, and sins get in the way. Doubts and fears such as the writer of this poem describes. It is God who will do it.   I don’t even know how to “let Him” take charge, I try and try and fail and fail, perhaps I’m trying too hard.  What is my part?

Be near to Him, spend time with Him in His word, talking, listening. Have an attitude of prayer throughout the day, turning my thoughts to Him, conversing with Him. If I did that before I speak or act, I’d probably get into a lot less trouble and relational difficulties!

Spending time in solitude with just God, no television, internet, books, or even people to distract.  Go to a place where it is just God, a retreat at the beach, in the mountains or maybe in a monastery!

Another way to be near to God is to see Him in others, focus on family, beloved friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and those I meet as I walk through life.  To really see them and hear them as God’s precious creation. 

That is my resolution and goal for 2017, to be near to Him.  Make Him my desire, my chief joy, like the pearl of great price, my greatest treasure. I know it won’t be easy, I will trip up along the way. But my precious Lord, He alone knows my heart.  I pray he will enable me, to draw near to Him, to be gentler, kinder, patient with myself and others. I can’t do it alone, I know, so pray with me that He will change my heart so that my doubts, fears, worries and sins will fade in the light of HIs presence.  Tune in next year to see how it turned out! Happy New Year!

Praise Him for Who He is!

SING TO HIM, SING PRAISE TO HIM,

TELL OF ALL HIS WONDERFUL DEEDS, GLORY IN HIS HOLY NAME,

 LET THE HEARTS OF THOSE, WHO SEEK THE LORD REJOICE!

(I CHRONICLES 16:9-10)

“Christmas is a time to think about Jesus, Christmas is a time to praise His holy name, Christmas is a time to think about Jesus, let us praise Him for what He has done...” (Bill Daub)

Let us praise Him for WHO HE IS!”

Wars and rumors of wars, people struggling with health needs; cancer, depression, illness, financial needs of friends, ministry partners, a ministry center kicked out because of  one person’s greed, poverty and hunger, my own sins that discourage and anger me….

When will it all end? Is there hope? YES, o Yes! God is still on the throne, His praises sing out, His work goes on. His anger lasts but a moment, His favor a lifetime.  He was angry with me, but has turned away His wrath, He is in the midst of us, Immanuel, GOD WITH US.

He is not a distant God, away out there, but He cares, sees, knows and is involved. Evidence is all around, when I take the time to look; a school is built in Iraq to help war torn and weary citizens, donations are collected to help a needy family in Tijuana, documents are being examined for a permanent solution for the rehab center, churches are planted, scripture translated, clinics with doctors and nurses giving their time and money to help the needy, a friend is declared cancer free, another will find the strength to go on and church members donate thousands of hours and thousands of dollars to create a free event as a Christmas gift to their community. In my own life I have seen His mercy, grace and provision in countless ways. His name is exalted through His servants all over the world.  Many who never would have heard or been open to the gospel are now seeing His love and care through His children who serve them.

Yes, Christmas is a time to think about Jesus and praise Him for what He has done, is doing and will do.  Fix your eyes on Jesus…wait and see what He will do. Praise His holy name and rejoice, because our salvation is at hand!

Our God is a good God!

"My God is a good God, yes He is, My God is a good God, yes He is!

This afternoon this little chorus came to mind, and I sang out loud to God, remembering this amazing truth.

"He picked me up and He turned me around and He set my feet on solid ground.

My God is a good God, yes He is, My God is a good God, yes He is."

Life is hard, we all know that.  If my own life isn´t challenging enough, I look around, read the news and ache for the suffering in so many hearts and homes.  It is hard to believe and live life based on believing God is a good God. My emotions come and go, like the ebb and flow of the ocean tides.  Sometimes I´m up excited about life and what God is doing.  However, all too often I´m frustrated, discouraged and weighed down under a cloud of anxiety and doubt.  My circumstances may not be so difficult, but frustrations with my commitment to the Lord, of trying to “perform” for others and living up to what I think God expects of me, bring discouragement.  I struggle with anxiety, living one day at a time.  I desire to let go and let His pace envelope me, not condemn myself for being a "lousy" Christian.  Last week Pastor Armando spoke to our little group out at Camp. It is a walk of faith, he reminded us.  He shared with us about his own faith crises and how God spoke to him. 

"Jesus said the gates of hell cannot prevail against His church, The Lord showed me that who am I to think I can damage His kingdom work?" 

God is sovereign and works through us, and sometimes in spite of us.  Our critics claim we depend on a crutch, that this faith business is ridiculous.  Is it?  The alternative of not having faith is worse.  Many Bible passages leap out at me.  Studying God´s word brings comfort, challenge and encouragement. 

Abide in Jesus; He is the true vine…  Nothing can separate me form His love...for a time you will have sorrow, but your sorrow will be turned to joy...we are to expect persecution and suffering (ouch, that does scare me!) yet the Counselor, the Holy Spirit will come to you and help you, show the way to keep your form stumbling. (Gospel of John chapters 14, 15,16)

More than anything, I want to beware of a "dangerous loss of memory".  That's where the Israelites failed miserably. They “tested God, complained, did not believe, rebelled, spoke against God, did not trust, did not believe, were unfaithful, tempted, limited, provoked..." (Psalm 78)  In spite of this, God was roused to compassion, misericordia, freed them from their oppressors, forgiving their sins, not just once, but time and again.

Jesus calls us His friends, if we obey His commandments.  May my Lord give me the strength to obey.  "Looking back and thanking God for past blessings can equip us to face the future with confidence...we should trust God, remembering His deeds and thus leading us to obedience."(Encounter with God devotional by Scripture Union).

These past couple weeks I´ve been anxious, worrying about the future and doubting God will continue to supply all my needs. It is hard for me to trust God and have faith in this area.  As I was praying, I thought of the silly mutts we have in our house.  They are always anxious for meal times, often begging well before it is time.  What if one of them was to look at the bag of dog food and think,

 “It looks like food is getting kind of low.  I hope our owners remember to get more.  What if we run out?  Will we go hungry?  Oh my, I sure hope they buy more soon!”

Pecas in particular was fond of eating everything and anything in sight.  Since we rescued her form the street many years ago, she never lost the habit of eating garbage, like she was never convinced the next meal would really come along.  Don´t I act like that when I worry about God´s provision for the future?  Of course we always make sure our four legged friends have enough to eat, sometimes too much!   Jesus reminds us that if we, being imperfect, know how to give good gifts to our children (or pets!), our Heavenly Father will certainly give good things to those who ask Him.  He also tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6)

I decided to make a list of all His blessings over recent months, years.

1. My bills are paid and I´m not in debt.

2. There is food in the house, I´ve never gone hungry due to lack of funds.

3. Full tank of gas in truck.  God has kept this vehicle running in spite of; robbery, major engine overhaul, various repairs many, many trips and lots of kilometers racked up!

4. I am in good health and thankful for insurance that covers wellness visits.

5.  I share a lovely home with two precious sisters in the faith (and our dogs!).

6. God has always provided my needs, and many of my wants.

7. "Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 6)

8. I have a godly heritage in both my parents, and a brother and his family who faithfully serve the Lord.

9." Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)

10. “My God will supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory." (Philippians 4:19)

11. I´m privileged to be part of two countries and have friends around the world.

12. For over twenty years I have been in full time Christian service.  God has kept and preserved me through many challenges and joys.

13. I live in a place that allows freedom of worship without fear of being killed or hauled off to jail.

14.  God´s grace is greater than all my sins!

15.  I can talk to God anywhere, anytime about anything and be sure He hears and will respond.

The list could go on, and on.  When I learn to focus on one day at a time, count my blessings and leave the future to Him, peace comes. I still ache for those suffering and wonder when God´s promises don´t seem to be fulfilled.  Through prayer, persistent prayer, I am thankful we can come into God´s presence, trusting Him to work in others’ lives.  Now, instead of worrying, I am excited to see how God will provide for me and those for whom I pray.  We do walk by faith, not by sight.  Yet God sometimes graciously does give sight, so we can see Him at work and be encouraged, praising and glorifying His name.

Indeed, God is a good God, yes He is!

Freckles (Pecas) 

Hello friends!  My name is Pecas, (Freckles in Spanish) sometimes I´m called Pequitas (little Freckle face) and sometimes they call me “Pecaminosa” ("little sinner")…now why would they say such a thing? Maybe because in my youth I was a rather mischievous?! Now I´m old and a bit overweight, but I can still defend myself, especially when my cousin, Kiwi, bothers me.  Today´s youth just don´t know how to respect their elders!  It´s been a long and good life and I thank my Creator for so many blessings and His goodness to me.

My life hasn´t always been so full of such rich blessings.  I was born in Mexico City.  As I grew up, I was always being scolded me for my pranks.  I loved making holes in the yard, playing with the toilet paper, chewing on books and looking for ways to escape from the yard.  What´s wrong with that?  Don´t all puppies do such things?  Life was such fun, so many adventures to live.  But everything was about to change and later I was sorry for all my mischief.

One day my family put me I the care and we travelled to a place that had lots of cars, people and these big and noisy things that flew over our heads.  The car stopped and I jumped out quickly to explore.  I didn´t realize that I was getting further and further away from where my family was.  I was having too much fun playing with the other dogs, smelling such exciting odors and eating all the fascinating left over food  lying around.  After a while I was tired and decided I´d head back to the spot where the car was.  Where was it? Where was my family? I was lost! Had I been abandoned? I was frightened and exhausted.  What should I do?  I finally found a somewhat quiet corner and fell asleep. 

I awoke later hungry and sore.  I began investigating my surroundings dodging the cars and trying to hide from those noisy machines that passed through the sky. There were advantages to freedom, no one scolded me or prevented me from eating what I wanted when I wanted.  I could go wherever I felt like without any restraints.  However, the food I found to eat was smelly and yucky, I soon tired of sleeping on the hard pavement or finding a dirty patch of grass to sleep on.  I missed my comfy bed and the loving caresses of my people.  I began to hunt desperately for my family, looking longingly at the cars and the people who were hurrying back and forth.  But nobody paid attention to a poor, dirty white cocker with freckles on her nose and brown patches on her back.  Some even shouted at me and kicked me.    

The days passed and I became weak and sick.  My long, beautiful white fur was dirty, matted and full of mud.  My ears hurt all the time and I started sneezing and having trouble breathing.  I wanted to sleep and never wake up.  How long could I survive?

One chilly morning I approached a car with several people in it.  I looked at them, pleading with my big brown eyes, desperate for help. 

They looked at me compassionately. 

“Poor little thing.  How in the world did she get here to the airport?  Was she lost or abandoned?”

My heart began to beat faster.  Maybe, just maybe these kind folks would help me.

“Poor mutt,” said one of the ladies. “She´s sick.  We can´t leave her here or she´ll die.  Let´s take her home.  Surely we´ll find someone to adopt a pretty little dog like her. “

Was it truly happening?  Were these kind ladies really going to rescue me?

“You´re right,” said the other one.  “We´ll tie my belt around her and put her in the car.  She needs a name. I can´t take a creature home without a name.”

“She has lots of brown freckles on her nose.  We´ll call her “Freckles.”

And so it was that with my new name I was taken to their home and met their other dogs, my new cousins.  I was so tired that after I ate a delicious supper of real dog food, I slept for almost an entire day!

A few days later a visitor came to our house.  It was love at first sight! I rolled over on my back so she could rub my belly.  She was smitten.  She adopted me and took me to her house to live.  She loved me very much.  She took me for walks every day and gave me yummy food to eat. 

My new mama still took me every day to visit with my cousins and aunties (the ladies who rescued me) while she went to work.  I still created a lot of mischief, especially when I was alone, I was afraid of being abandoned again! But even though they scolded me, I was always treated with love and affection.

Ten years have gone by.  My cousins have now passed on to that place where all the good and beloved dogs go, and someday soon I´ll catch up to them there.  Recently life gave an unexpected turn when my mama and aunties not only share me, “Freckle face” but also the same house!  How wonderful to all be together, to be safe, loved and protected.  Yes, it has been along and interesting life.  Thanks to my creator for His goodness to me! 

(Our precious Pecas recently joined her cousins in that place where all the beloved pets go.  She is greatly missed and fondly remembered, not just for her mischievous pranks, but for all the love and joy she brought to her household.  We are thankful for the many years we had to enjoy her.)