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Night Lights

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen

The power went out this morning an hour or so before dawn. My first thought was of my ninety-year-old mother falling and hurting herself while trying to get to the bathroom in total darkness. I shot up out of bed...well, actually, I cautiously stood up and fumbled around to the end of the bed...then out the door...down the hall...through the family room and dining room and into the kitchen. Whew! I made it without stubbing my toe, praise God!


Then I fumbled around some more in the cupboard for the little battery-operated lanterns we'd bought during the last power outage and turned one on. It wasn't a bright light, mind you, but it was enough to light my way back to my mother's bedroom where I found her wide awake and worrying about--guess what?--how she was going to manage getting to the bathroom in the dark. She, too, was awfully glad for that puny little lantern to light her way.

"...I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..."
Romans 1:16
You know, for a lot of people, the power's been turned off all their lives. Maybe it's because they've never heard the Gospel preached. If so, then be sure to "... be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you..." (1 Peter 3:15) Always be prepared to share the light of the Gospel with anyone who 's living in darkness. Like Mama this morning, they just might be grateful for it.
There are others, though, who've already heard the Gospel and aren't interested in hearing it again. They like being in the dark, thank you very much! Or so they say. Sometimes the best way to reach them is to say no more and let your actions speak instead. Indeed, watching someone who actually lives the Gospel can be far more persuasive than the most enlightening sermon ever preached!
...this little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine...
let it shine, let it shine, all the time...

We all can't be great evangelists like the Billy Grahams and Charles Spurgeons of this world, but we can live in a way that draws people to Christ. I mean, we may not shine as brightly, but to the people living in darkness without any "night lights" to guide them, we can sometimes be a pretty welcome sight.
"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world..."
Philippians 2:14-15
Those who live the Gospel can't help but demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) And in a dark world of "hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, [and] dissensions," (Galatians 5:19), those who choose to live godly lives shine like beacons of hope.
So don't be discouraged, my friends, if you can't speak to that friend or neighbor or co-worker about Christ anymore. Even if they're not listening, trust me, they're watching. And although what you do may not seem like that big a deal to you, it is to them.
Just ask the guy who whacked his toe while fumbling around in the darkness. Night lights are important. Big time.
God bless.

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Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen

"Why don't you just come live with us?"

You know, I don't remember covering my mouth and thinking, 'Oh, dear, what on earth did I say that for?' but it certainly would've been appropriate. You see, my mother-in-law, God rest her soul, had called that day from her home in California to say that she was "sick and tired" of being taken advantage of. She went on to tell me that she'd just been released from a rest home after a bad bout with congestive heart failure and was pretty put out that she had to call a cab to come pick her up and take her home. I mean, after all, she shouldn't have had to. Several relatives were living with her in the small trailer that she called home.

And that was the problem. She said she'd long since given up sleeping in her own bed so that someone else could have it. Fact is, both bedrooms were taken. Nowadays she said she was sleeping on her recliner. She claimed she was too weak to do much more than just sit there and watch televsion and hope that somebody remembered to make her something to eat. Oh, and did I mention that she was paying all the living expenses, too? It certainly wasn't hard to see why she jumped at my offer to come move in with me and my husband.

Trouble was, I hadn't bothered to run this brilliant idea by my husband first. Oops. Boy, was I shaking in my boots when I called him up at work and said, "Uh, I bet you'll never guess what I just did." There was a little pause at the other end of the line after I told him, but, fortunately, he's a kindhearted man and said not to worry. He'd have probably done the same thing under similar circumstances. Whew! Dodged that bullet, didn't I?

"But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God." 1 Timothy 5:4

I can't say that I had this particular verse in mind when I invited my mother-in-law to come live with us, but the principle was definitely a motivating factor. You see, I've long believed that the responsibility of caring for the youngest and oldest members of society lies primarily with our families, not health care institutions, and Scripture confirms it.

In today's uncertain world our families matter more than ever. I mean, come on, how many young adults have had to move into their parents' basements or spare bedrooms because they've lost their job? How many households have been enlarged to two and three generations under one roof? How many retirements have been postponed? Or, in the alternative, how many retirees have had to scale back their expenses because their retirement funds have been blasted to smithereens? Too many, I'm afraid. And if we're really living in the last days, then it's not going to get a whole lot better, is it?

"'...in the last days...men will be lovers of themselves...disobedient to parents...unthankful...unloving...headstrong...lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.'" Mark 8:34

You know, you might not be too surprised to see society-at-large casting off the old and infirm, but it comes as quite a shock when Christians do likewise. I can't tell you how many times I've had God-fearing people look me in the eye and say that they'd never, ever let their mother move in with them! Why, after all, now that the children are all grown and gone, they're free, free, free! They'd be nuts to give up all that freedeom when there's a perfectly good rest home in town that's ready, willing, and able to do it, thank you very much!!

But tell me something. What do you think Jesus would do? Would He say, "Hey, I'm sorry, Mom, but I've got places to go, people to see. Besides, I hear the food's really good at the rest home!"? Of course not. His life and ministry was marked by compassion. Now, understandably, sometimes an elderly parent has health issues that we can't possibly deal with at home, and we have no choice but to place them in a rest home. But more times than not, they're simply shuffled off into institutionized care because no one wants to be bothered. Out of sight, out of mind!

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:8

As I've often said, what we do matters as much as, perhaps more than, what we say. It's not enough to talk to your children about "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23) unless you live it. Not surprisingly, my daughters have assured me that I will always have a place in their homes if I should ever need it. What a comfort that is!

Jesus said, "'For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.'" (Matthew 12:50) According to Scripture, it is as much the Lord's work to care for our elderly parents as it is to witness on street corners. It's just a whole lot more of a commitment, isn't it?

Just think about it. Pray about it. And, God willing, maybe someday you'll have the chance to be as blessed as I've been.


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Gentle Persuasion

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen

Have you ever said or done something you really wish you hadn't? Of course you have. If it's any consolation, so have the rest of us at one time or another. You know, you'd think that the older you get the less likely you are to stumble-fumble your way into folly, but being the flawed human being that I am, it still happens, and I must say it's ten times more painful than it was when I started my journey of faith!

Take yesterday, for instance. A couple of very young, freshly scrubbed and polished "elders" of the Mormon church showed up on my doorstep, and I'm ashamed to say that I didn't employ the art of gentle persuasion in any effective manner. No, no. For you see, I'm the one-hundredth great-grandchild of a woman who was the first wife of three to an elder in the Church of Latter Day Saints, and, believe me, that poor woman suffered for her misguided "faith." Not only did my great-grandfather cavort around all over town with his lovelier and much younger second wife night after night, but he used my great-grandmother's meager earnings in order to do it! Oh, and did I mention that she bore him ten children, none of whom he supported? With that background, I hope you can see at least in part the struggle I have when confronted by proselytes of such misguided faith and devotion.

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."

2 Timothy 2:24-26

Now, don't get me wrong. I wasn't mean to those poor boys. I was simply very...well, blunt, I guess you would say. I told them that their faith was pretty much worse than no faith at all, that the only way of salvation was through the Jesus Christ of the Bible, not the one that Joseph Smith, their beloved prophet, had dreamed up! All true, of course, but I would've done a better job of sharing my faith in Christ had I remembered what I'd read just that morning about gentle persuasion being the most effective--and might I say Christ-like--way to witness to unbelievers.

It occurs to me that, through my own lack of foresight, I hadn't prepared myself for witnessing to Mormons...or members of any other cult, for that matter. And that's the problem. Had I equipped myself ahead of time, I might have been able to shine for Christ rather than faintly flicker.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience..."

1 Peter 3:15-16

I've always said that I'm a lousy evangelist, and yesterday proved it, I guess. For although I told those boys that I would pray for them--which I did, I might add, quite fervently--I nevertheless did little to draw them away from their unbelief, and that's what grieves me. After all, the goal of any such divine appointment should be sharing the true faith, indeed the True Witness, Jesus Christ. In that I fear I failed.

So what's my point? It's that, after all my self-flagellation, I've come to the realization that now I have no excuse for not being prepared for the next time one of those dear lost souls winds up on my doorstep! In fact, I intend to be well armed and ready with Gospel tracts and a witness that gently persuades rather than disputes with them.

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life."

1 John 5:20

It's not enough that we know the truth when confronted by the cults; it's that we share the truth effectively so that it can do its work in the hearts and minds of those who "grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13).

Oftentimes I share insights painfully gained through trial and error in the hopes that others will profit by them. I'm praying that having done so the body of Christ will be blessed.

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Revelation

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen

You know, I know of few Christians who'll say that we're not living in the Last Days. Fact is, I can't think of even one who will deny it. That said, however, far too many people come to mind who aren't willing to look at the "signs of the times" and heed the warning of Scripture to be ready and waiting for the Lord's return at any moment. How often I've heard someone say, "Oh, I don't listen to the news anymore. It's just too depressing." Indeed it is, but just like an ostrich hiding its head in the sand, they've left themselves about as exposed and vulnerable as that silly bird with its tail feathers blowin' in the breeze!


"'Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.'"
Matthew 25:13

What's interesting to note is that this admonition comes directly on the heels of the parable of the ten virgins. This parable of preparedness was in answer to the disciples' question: "'What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?'" (Matthew 24:3) Nothing much has changed in the intervening 2,000 years plus. People are still asking: When, Lord? When? And a whole industry has sprung up of preachers, teachers, and self-proclaimed prophets who are more than happy to pinpoint the day and hour when "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up...in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

You know, it seems to me that if the Lord Jesus wanted us to know with any degree of specificity when that's going to be, He would have said so. The fact that He didn't is significant because, guess what, no one is supposed to know!

"'But of the day and hour NO ONE KNOWS, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father ONLY.'"
Matthew 24:36

All this diddling around trying to pinpoint the time of Christ's return serves no good purpose other than to puff up some poor folks who think they know more than Christ did! Doesn't that seem just a tad presumptious to you? It certainly does to me. But what, then, is the whole point of the book of Revelation if not to predict the time of His return? Well, if you extract the "when" factor, what you're left with is the why and how of John's prophecy.

Of the seven churches described in Chapter Three, five are soundly rebuked and two are commended for their faithfulness. From that sobering introduction the events of the last days are described as a warning of what is about to take place so that God's people will be prepared for it when it comes.

You know, whether you're Pre-Trib, Post-Trib, Pre-millenial, Post-millenial, or whatever, it really doesn't matter. What does matter is: Are you ready for what's about to happen, regardless of whether or not it'll pan out just exactly like you think it will?

A young pastor once told me that "I don't think I can believe in a God who'd make me go through the Great Tribulation." I don't know about you, but I find that to be a very troubling statement. It reminds me of the time a friend's son was dying. His parents went to great lengths to "claim" his healing by quoting Scripture and laying hands on him. In the end their hopes were not realized and he died, despite their "faith" that he would be cured. As a result the young man's father walked away from God.

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night...Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless..."
Peter 3:16

All that said, we have a responsibility to keep abreast of current events, if for no other reason than to pray. There are those who say that's a cop-out or that that's double-minded. I beg to differ. Oh, I petition the Lord for myself and others, too, offering suggestions and expressing hopes and dreams for good outcomes for those for whom I pray, but those favorable outcomes do not form the basis of my faith, and I think that's what's most important.

"'Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.'"
Matthew 26:41

The daily news is fodder for a whole host of prayers: "wars and rumors of wars...famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.'" (Matthew 24:6-7) These things will come, friend, if they're not already here. Again, I say, fortify your faith: read your Bible, practice its teachings by living holy, upright lives so that whenever the Groom does come you'll be ready and waiting for Him to take you home.

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
Revelation 22:20

In other words, Jesus is saying, "Here I come, ready or not!" But, you know, the Day of the Lord isn't a kid's game like hide and seek. He already knows where you are and what you're doing. If you haven't already, there's still time to repent and be saved. I wouldn't delay, if I were you. How much longer it'll be till He comes to gather His church is anyone's guess.

So why not stop getting yourself all worked up over when this or that is going to happen and start focusing on what He'll find you doing when He returns, for when all's said and done, that's all that really matters, isn't it?

May the grace of God be with you all. Amen.

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Ignorance

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen

You know, I've stayed away from politics in my blog because it's such a divisive issue, even in the body of Christ. But I can't let an opportunity go by without adding my voice to the majority of Americans, many of whom are God-fearing Christians, whose voices are being quenched by the militant--yes, I really mean that--"progressives" in our country.

Saturday I watched the Tea Parties being covered on FOX News, and I fully expected, naive though I am, that some mention would be made of it on the front page of our local newspaper. How could they not? After all, more than 10,000 people turned out in Washington, DC, alone. In all fairness, I must admit that they did mention it toward the back of the national news section. However, guess what story got a full half-page coverage? A group of local progressives, not quite 200 in all, carrying placards and chanting slogans supporting the Administration's minority view of a one-payer system. Hmm. Do I detect a little manipulation of the facts here? I do indeed, for by favoring one story over another, they were attempting to influence public opinion by assigning more merit to the Administration's view on health care, despite the fact that the majority of Americans are strongly opposed to the changes they are proposing.

Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?


Many a time when I was working as a freelance court reporter I'd swear someone in who had no intention of telling the truth. You see, they had an agenda, and if telling the truth wouldn't accomplish it, then they'd rather perjure themselves than lose their case in a court of law. And let me tell you, the best liars could skillfully weave a thread of truth throughout their lies so you couldn't tell where one began and the other ended. They didn't have to pay for it either because it often boiled down to just a simple case of one man's word against another's. It was up to the judge or jury who they chose to believe.


You know, it's a sad day when we can't trust what we read in the newspaper or hear on TV newscasts, isn't it? But that's exactly what's happening in America today. Not necessarily through overt lies. No, no. That would be too obvious. Remember, the best liars lie by omission. In other words, they're not telling you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.


"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way."

2 Thessalonians 2:7

In John 8:44 Satan is described as the father of all liars...liars of omission as well as commission. In other words, whether a person simply omits telling the whole truth or overtly conjures up a complete fabrication of reality makes no difference; they're still a liar. And Satan and his followers can't help but lie because it's in their nature to do so. You might even say it's part of their genetic code.

So what is a Christian to do? Well, for one thing we must be deeply immersed in the truth; and the only place we're going to find the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is in the Bible. And having done so, we'll be prepared to withstand evil.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places...Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth..."

Ephesians 6:11-14

In an ever-increasing world of uncertainty only one thing remains constant: truth. It's what undergirds our faith in Jesus Christ, as well as our freedoms. Know the truth, my friends. It may be elusive nowadays, but if you seek it, you will find it.

God bless you all.

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Obedience and Loyalty

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen


I ran across this lovely little story in my email this morning and thought it was worth passing on.
"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord."

Lam 3:26

"It is difficult to train an elephant, but once trained these animals are extremely obedient and loyal. Some of them become so emotionally attached to their trainer that they will obey no one else. They will refuse to eat unless the trainer is there.

Phum was just such an elephant. Once trained, he was so devoted to his trainer that he even showed jealousy when the trainer's wife was near by. He would snort and turn his back on her. In Asia, where I was some months ago, is where Phum lived, and elephants are used as we once used horses here in the United States. They serve as transportation, to pull heavy loads, to carry their masters on hunts, and to take part in ceremonies.

Phum was used to hunt wild elephants for training. This was done by herding them into open areas where they could be caught by the hunters. Phum loved these hunts and when he saw the preparations being made, he became very excited. One day his trainer became ill, so Phum could not be taken on the hunt. He became so upset by being left behind that he uprooted the tree he was chained to and ran away, carrying the tree part way. He tried to join the wild elephants, but because the scent of man was on him, they beat him and drove him away.

Phum's keeper spent days searching for him. Finally he found him wounded and bleeding in the kneeling position that elephants are taught to take to make mounting them easier. Having been rejected and beaten by his own kind, and not knowing what to do, he did the only thing he could remember. He knelt and waited for the trainer to climb on. There is no telling how long he had been kneeling when the trainer found him. One can imagine how happy both of them were to be reunited.

In his animal way Phum teaches us a lesson in obedience and loyalty to God. Our hope should be a constant in the Lord under all circumstances. Having done all we can, we relax, and wait trustfully, and see what Christ through the Holy Spirit will do, through providence, a friend, a physician, a judge, or even a stranger."

Author Unknown.


Are you lost, friend? If you are, the Lord is your salvation.


"'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach):

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved...

For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Romans 10:8-13


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Window Gazing

Posted by Maureen R. Danielsen

A low growl of thunder echoing through the foothills rattled the windowpanes.

"Angie, wait. I--"

The front door slammed shut. With a sigh Peter got up out of bed and walked to the window. Bathed in the yellow glow from the porch light, he saw Angie fling open her car door.

Opening the window, he shivered in a cold gust of wind. "Oh, Angie, come on," he said, clutching his sides. "Don't be like this. It's not as if I want to break up with you or anything. It's just that...well, it only makes sense that we ought to be free to see other people, too."

She looked up at him, her perfect features twisted by the fury of a woman scorned. "I don't ever want to see you again, you hear me?!" she screamed for all the world to hear. "Not ever!!"

"Shhh!!" he hissed. "You want to wake up the whole neighborhood?" Thank God his parents hadn't come home from their "date night" yet.

With a gesture almost as obscene as the loathing on her face, Angie jumped in her car and roared off into the night.

Running his fingers through his hair, Peter closed his eyes. Why is it that women always want a commitment? It only made sense that once they'd headed off to their separate colleges that they'd be free agents. It's not as if it really changed anything, now, did it? Well, did it? Peter slammed his fist into the wall. What'd she think I was going to do for the next nine months? Become a monk?

Peter sucked in his breath when lightning sliced through the night sky. Instead of the shadows retreating in the onslaught of brilliant light, they were transformed into silvery specters of writhing agony.

Peter's eyes widened. Jason? Peter turned his head slightly, but his eyes remained riveted on his best friend. No, no, can't be him, Peter thought. Jason's still at the party. As long as there was a keg around, Jason would stay till it was drained dry, and the last time Peter had checked, there'd been enough there for an all-nighter.

In silent denial, Jason lifted a mug of foaming brew to his lips and drank deeply. White fire dribbled down the corners of his lips. Jason clawed at his chest and screamed. The liquid heat ignited his body in a brilliant burst of flame. Peter took a faltering step back. This isn't happening, he thought, rubbing his eyes, for although the flames licked ravenously at Jason's body, he wasn't consumed.

The white light shifted to another friend in the night...then another...and another...and another. Some slithered in the revealing light, their silver bodies entwined like snakes in a pit. Others clawed and fought, screamed foul obscenities, begged and pleaded, wept and bellowed...but all in varying degrees of torture.

Peter turned away and covered his eyes. I'm dreaming, just dreaming, he told himself. Wake up, you idiot! Just...wake...up!

After several heart-pounding moments, Peter slowly withdrew his hands. Darkness had reclaimed the night. He looked around the front yard, then inhaled a deep breath and blew it out through pursed lips. Gone. All gone. He turned. Angie was fast asleep in his bed.

Peter finished off the dregs of the bottle of beer sitting on the end table, then crawled into bed beside her. Throwing an arm across her, he curved his body into her back and closed his eyes...

...and went back to sleep.

"...if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." James 1:22-24

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, that He died for your sins, rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of God? If so, praise God! Ah, but if not, maybe you should stop and consider the word picture I just drew. Now, I know I may not be totally accurate in my description of Hell, mainly because I've never actually seen it, nor had any visions of its horror either. Yet and still, I know it exists for all those who have not been born again into the family of God. How do I know that? The Word of God says so.

"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and that have no more that they can do...Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into Hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him." Luke 12:4-5

Nobody talks about Hell anymore. Why? I don't know. Probably because they don't want to "scare" someone into believing. But isn't it a bit disingenuous not to mention what awaits those who reject God's gift of salvation?

I mean, come on. What do you think is going to happen after you die? Nothing? Something, but you're just not sure what?

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" John 3:3

You know, most unbelievers aren't going to be having visions of Hell in the night like our young friend Peter. The only warning they'll probably ever have is just some vague uneasiness that whatever happens after they die is kind of...well, freakish, so they avoid thinking about it altogether. They turn their thoughts to other things. Living the good life. Having fun with their friends. Doing whatever makes them feel good. I mean, after all, if there's a God, He'd want a person to be happy, wouldn't He? Well, wouldn't He?

"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:11-12

Take it from one who knows. You've never truly lived till you've been born again. I mean, come on, those who reject Him are missing out on a really good thing! And it's not a dream either or some figment of an overactive imagination. It's the Gospel truth.

"Therefore He says, 'Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'" John 5:14

So what about you? Are you awake or are you still sleeping? You know, you're not some fictional character. You're a real person with a very real destiny. Don't roll over and go back to sleep like Peter did. Wake up!

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." Revelation 3:20

And all God's people say: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, come!!"

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