The Butterfly

My mother would pass out if she knew I was writing my Word for Today about her. I guess I’m just postponing the inevitable, since she’ll pass out when she finds it already posted online. Sorry, Mom. You’re worth writing about.

The day after Christmas always feels a bit bleak. It shouldn’t, because Jesus is here! I guess the incarnation tends to get packed up with all the ornaments, strings of lights, and stockings and left in the attic until we are obligated to pull it out and bask in its seasonal glow again next year. I fought against that bleak feeling the day after Christmas, with everyone else. Then my mom played the piano.

I was sitting on the floor, concentrating heavily on the decision between revising a paper for fun or watching yet another Hitchcock film, when I noticed a quiet rustling across the room at the piano. My mom was sneakily riffling through sheet music. I was confident she was hoping no one would notice, so I discarded my previous dilemma and settled back against the wall, eager for what came next.

I watched as she discovered the piece she’d been searching for, smiling fondly at the cover page. “The Butterfly,” it said. She sat down on the piano bench and began to play. I watched her fingers fly over the keys, positioning perfectly, traveling gracefully, producing tender melodies.

I can count on two hands the number of times I’ve heard my mother play the piano in my life. She took piano lessons for ten years. I was in awe watching her play, and not because she is the best piano player I’ve ever seen. I was in awe because my mom is a human being.

You may not realize this, but moms have talents and gifts. Moms do things for pleasure. Moms have feelings and get tired and need a break. Moms are “selves,” outside of being “moms.” Moms are, first and foremost, disciples of Jesus Christ. In watching my mom play the piano, I realized how often we dehumanize our parents. My mom and dad are worth more than giving up selfhood to be parents. The sacrifices that parents make in order to begood to their children are incredible. But I do not think that giving up Self is something that we should ask.  But who is “we?” “We” is society. “We” is our culture. And “we” is, most definitely, the church. The cult of family, the competitive nature of being a “good mom,” the need to be better than the next mom, to give your children everything they want has conditioned us to believe that once you have a child, all you are is a parent. That’s wrong, and it isn’t even what the Lord expects of us. 

We are called to be disciples! That includes loving the church, serving her, giving your time to her. The “I’m serving my church by raising my children well” cop out can’t cut it anymore. That isn’t healthy for children and it isn’t healthy for parents. If children become a parent’s entire world, then what happens if a parent “fails” at raising his or her children? Have they failed at life? I don’t think so.

Beyond this, children should celebrate their parents’ selfhood. They should see it. They should know it exists. My mom plays the piano! I celebrate her talent that does not play a direct role in the way that she parents me. I love her more and know her more because I know that she has that gift and that it brings her joy and life. So many parents don’t understand why they don’t have a lasting connection with their children. Well, how do you connect with someone who you don’t even perceive to be a human being? My parents are not deities. They are human. And they are good humans with beautiful flaws and exciting talents and intriguing opinions on life. It is easier for me to love them when I know and am reminded that they are real people. I bless them for the things that they have protected me from. And I bless them for the discernment that they’ve used in revealing to me who they are as Selves and disciples.

Parenthood and discipleship are not the same thing. I think that if you make the choice to become a parent, you should embed that parenthood into your discipleship.  Discipleship does not need parenthood to be, but if you’re going to be a parent, I think you must be prepared to daily devote that parenthood to the discipleship that you’ve already committed to.

My mom and The Butterfly reminded me that parents are humans . . . and that Jesus was human while divine. I see Jesus alive in my mom, in her humanness. The most important thing for us to do as children and parents is to look into the eyes of the other and search for the Jesus that we know is present there. It makes the incarnation more real and takes the edge off the bleakness, in any season.

Lord,

Teach us to search for your Son when we look into each other’s eyes. Soften our hearts, that we may love each other in our humanness. Thank you for Your Son, who showed us the most loving ways to be human beings.

In His name,

Amen.

Erin E. Daugherty, Abilene Christian University

After Christmas

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.  Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.  When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.  After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it… After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers…

He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them…

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:39-43, 46-47, 51-52

Christmas has passed and the colorful presents under the tree have been opened.  Children screamed with anticipation and excitement.  Parents and grandparents took pictures of the memorable moments.  Perhaps, a few stray boxes or shreds of paper still remain on the floor.

You probably still have a smile on your face as you remember the abundance of good food.  Turkey and dressing, ham and sweet potatoes, and the desserts… Oh well, new dieting commitments will be resolved next week. 

Department stores are discounting the remaining merchandise on their shelves.  The executives are relieved to realize the financial windfall of the Christmas shopping season and are already making plans for next year.

I wonder, in the hubbub of family traditions and the bombardment of corporate advertising, have we lost sight of the eternal for the here-and-now?

We see our strengths and weaknesses reflected in Joseph and Mary.  They knew all along that Jesus was special… a gift of God.  For twelve years he was a human boy that needed to be protected and nurtured until adulthood.  Jesus’ parents did some really good things: they fed him well and created a safe home, so that he grew healthy and strong; they taught him respect, so that he was humble and obedient to those in authority; they modeled a righteous life, studying the Law and worshiping God regularly.  Yet, when Jesus was at the threshold of becoming a man, Joseph and Mary forgot why they were entrusted with his care.  They had become preoccupied with today’s troubles, instead of realizing that Jesus came to earth to fulfill the Father’s merciful plan of salvation.

Has Jesus’ incarnation made a difference in your life?  Christmas has passed, but the opportunity to prepare to live for Jesus’ return still remains.  Keep looking heavenward.  Let us all, like Jesus, “grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us overcome our shortsightedness and our tendency to get caught up in the activities of the day.  Help us to grow in ways that please you, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  Bless us with the courage and strength to prepare for the Day you take us to our heavenly home.  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas

LIVING FOR CHRIST

Galatians 2:20-21    I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

I read about, and personally experienced, innumerable acts of kindness, forgiveness, generosity and love displayed for others over the last few weeks.  The acts of goodness far outweighed the evil things that occurred in the same time period.  American flags are still at half-staff as a sign of respect for the loss of life due to evil that reigned in Newtown, Connecticut for a few hours.  That was an unspeakable, unfathomable event.  However, the stories of bravery and self-sacrifice that resulted were amazing; the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Last week many members from Graham Street Church of Christ served the community Christmas dinner to over 800 people. Across the nation, other communities benefitted from similar acts of generosity; gifts of time, money, food, clothing.  These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Carolers moved among nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, visiting home-bound individuals spreading the gift of song and personal interaction. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Angel trees in hundreds of cities in the United States were filled with gifts for strangers. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Nurses and physicians, pharmacy workers, airline and other transportation services personnel, convenience store attendants, all gave their time to assure people were safe during the holidays and could travel to visit family and home again. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Families and friends gathered this week to celebrate Christ’s birth; but also remembered his life, death and resurrection all combined as Good News to share with others. Union with Christ is possible through belief and acceptance of that Good News. Following Christ results in forgiveness of our own sins that Christ erased through His death and resurrection. But it means more, for it is a living and continued relationship. Jesus is present with the believer; through the Spirit the Lord lives in personal fellowship with His own. He continues to work in our lives protecting us from fear of the unknown. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Dear God, Please help me to display your love, Christ, living in me.

Sherilyn Svien

Stephenville, TX

Don’t Get Blinded by the Christmas Lights

Every year it seems people put up a few more strings of Christmas lights.  It doesn’t matter how gloomy the economy is or how tight the budget is...those lights are going up and all for the sake of countless hours admiring their masterwork minus the painstaking hours spent messing with blown bulbs, wiring, extension cords, etc.  So what is it about these bright colored lights that puts us in a hypnotic state of feeling happy, warm, and secure despite the worries, stress, hurt feelings, and selfish desires that swirl around us on a daily basis? Why is it that some people realize how blessed they are only one day out of the year and then they take down their Christmas lights and resort to their old ways?  They are surrounded by artificial light and submerged in spiritual darkness.

 

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”. We must daily study God’s word and submit to Him in prayer so that we can develop a close relationship with God and live in the light.  As we enjoy the bright twinkling lights we are reminded of Christ’s light shining in a dark world and the reassurance of a relationship with God.  This should lead to an enlightened heart filled with gratitude and, a humble, wonderful attitude toward God each and every day.
 

“Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11).
 

Father, thank you for Your Son who came to earth to be the Light.  Help us to be aware that others are still stumbling around in spiritual darkness and let us be lights that shine the truth of Jesus Christ to them during the holidays and throughout the new year. In His name we pray, Amen.
 

Carla Henson

Tuscola, Texas

Thank God for Ultimate Freedom

Stone cold walls

Total isolation

Void of human voices

No letters, no calls, no visits

Isaiah 42:6-7

I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Walking through the halls of the original cell blocks at Eastern State Penitentiary, dark despair overwhelms the heart.  Loneliness looms throughout the property.
Belief that solitary confinement would aid in rehabilitation, the expensive penitentiary was opened outside Philadelphia in 1829.  Solitary confinement failed to rehabilitate, but devastated an individual-psychologically.
As our group toured the property, listened to the history of the massive, innovative structure, thoughts ran through my mind of various types of prisons today…

Psalm 119:31-32

I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.

I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

Sarah fought MS that ravaged her body.  It locked away a sharp mind and joyful spirit in a body that refused to function for her.  Simple acts we take for granted, she hadn’t enjoyed in years.  She was set free, as she crossed through death’s door, to the sweet reality of promises we hold dear.  One beautiful day, we will join Sarah, and continue to rejoice that she is whole and unencumbered.  No more confinement, only joy and fellowship with our LORD forever.

Romans 8:2
…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Loved ones are trapped in a prison of ugly and cruel ramifications.  Memory loss and confusion locks one in a lonely world of confinement.  Medical research continues its quest for answers to combat Alzheimer’s.  One fine day, the redeemed that have been prisoners of Alzheimer’s or dementia, will be set free from these chains that isolate them.

Galatians 3:22
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ,  might be given to those who believe.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Jesus, our Savior has set us free from the prison we find ourselves in.  He alone has the keys to open the door, freedom from the bondage of sin.  One glorious day, we will look at the face of our LORD, and continue to praise Him for the indescribable gift of salvation & reconciliation.

Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves  to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

As freed captives, at times we choose bars that confine us.  Bonds that stifle growth into the servant He instructs us to be; cells of shame, guilt or fear, to name a few.

Romans 7:21

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of  my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this  body of death?  Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Psalm 146:6-8

The Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the Lord, who remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.

Merciful Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus to free us from the bondage of sin.  In Him, we have life and freedom.  Enable us to take the gospel to all who remain prisoners of sin and eternal death.
Thank you, Jesus, for Your ultimate sacrifice to purchase our pardon.                    

In Your name, Sweet Jesus.

Mischelle Oliver,

Stephenville, Texas

Christmas is here—“A most wonderful time of the year!”

Many greetings sent and received remind us that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

How well do you know Him?  The Bible teaches us that it is all-important to know Him.  Jesus said in his prayer recorded in John 17:  “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom You have sent.”

Let me tell you the story of one man’s fascinating journey into a fuller knowledge of the Man whose birth we are in the midst of celebrating. 

Bruce Barton was born in Robbins, Tennessee, August 5, 1886, the son of a Congregationalist minister.  He described his attendance in the weekly Sunday school class as his “weekly hour of revolt.”  He felt that his kindly Sunday school teacher would have been shocked had she known what his thoughts were during class.  He was turned off by the picture on the wall of Jesus, “a pale young man with no muscle and a sad expression.”

He liked the picture of Daniel on the other wall—standing off the lions.  He much preferred hearing about the exploits of David, Moses, and Samson than hearing about Jesus, the “Lamb of God.”  He did not know what that meant, but it reminded him of Mary’s little lamb, “something for girls—sissified.”  His concept of Jesus was of one going around for three years “telling people not to do things.”  He was glad when the superintendent rang the bell and announced that it was time to sing the closing hymn. 

He left class and “left Jesus behind.”

As he grew older, he was mystified at the powerful influence Jesus had on the world.  He came

to realize that Jesus had literally changed the world, and that he must have missed something in his early training.  

It was then that he decided to wipe his mind clean of what he had heard and read up to that point.  He said, “I will read what the men who knew Jesus personally said about Him.  I will read about Him as though He were a character in history, new to men, about whom I had never heard anything at all.” He was amazed at what he learned from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

Where did people get the idea that Jesus was a physical weakling?  “Jesus pushed a plane and swung an adz; He was a good carpenter.  He slept outdoors and spent His days walking around His favorite lake.  His muscles were so strong that when He drove the moneychangers out (of the Temple), nobody dared to oppose Him!  “A kill-joy!  He was the most popular dinner guest in Jerusalem! The criticism which proper people made was that He spent too much time with publicans and sinners and enjoyed society too much.  They called Him a ‘wine bibber and a gluttonous man.’  A failure!  He picked up twelve humble men and created an organization that won the world.”

When Barton finished his studies, his little boy notions and prejudices vanished.  He felt that someone should write a book about the dynamic discoveries that he had made.  And he did.  It was first published in 1924 and remained on the bestseller list for a number of years.

As I began my life as a minister, a friend recommended that I get a copy of Bruce Barton’s book, The Man Nobody Knows.  And I did.  And it opened my eyes and heart to a Jesus I had not previously seen—a Jesus that was already truly portrayed in the pages of Holy Writ. I have tucked away in my worn copy of Barton’s book, an obituary I clipped from the Washington Star dated July 6, 1967, announcing his death.   He had headed the largest advertising firm in New York and served two terms in the U. S. Congress, but to me, the greatest thing Bruce Barton did was to help countless folks get better acquainted with our Savior.

Merry Christmas!

“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.”  - Phil. 3:10

Joe Baisden

Belton, Texas

Just a Coke Can

It was just a coke on a hot summer day.  After a long day in the sun, filled with sights that made my stomach hurt, head pound, and eyes swell from crying, its taste was sweet and refreshing.  

I sat on a curb in a dirty market place, surrounded by a small group of children.  A little girl, not much older than seven, stopped to sell me something from the large platter of wares that sat atop her head.   I was shocked to see a small baby strapped to her back.  Our group was beginning a two week trip into some of the villages of northern Ghana.  We had stopped to exchange money and buy supplies for the upcoming journey.  While we were waiting, one of the Ghanaian preachers had purchased (with probably all the money he had for that week) cokes for six of us.  As I drank my coke the little girl smiled up at me with a longing expression.  I later learned that children are typically much older than they appear, but still this young girl taking care of a younger sibling and working to support her family was too much to bear.  I shared my drink with her and quickly other children surrounded her.  I was aghast as she turned to the oldest boy and compliantly handed the half full can over to him.  He then told the other children something that sounded authoritative and demanding.  I was on the verge of going for help from a local adult when the kids began doing something that was astounding.  I watched as one by one they took a sip and passed the can on to the next child.  They made two rounds of the group in this fashion, but the sharing continued as the oldest boy took out a homemade knife and cut off the top of the can.  They passed the can and shared the remaining drops, with happy smiles.  Thankful.

Once the can had been licked clean (yes, I mean they licked the inside of the can clean) the boy with the knife cut off the bottom of the can and gave the remaining aluminum to another boy in the group.  That boy took the can and hammered it out flat while the older boy fashioned the top and bottom into wheels.  They then took the now rectangle piece of aluminum and folded it into a kind of axle and attached the two wheels.  Another boy came with a long stick and attached this make-shift “car” to the stick.  This “car” was shared among the group, but I was given the distinct impression that it was meant to go home with the young girl at the end of the day.  Thankful.

Though I can vividly remember what happened that day, it is easy for me to forget this lesson on perspective.  When the transmission breaks, the blessing of a new child necessitates a bigger vehicle, salaries are reduced, or an insurance deductible needs to be met, my perspective can become skewed.  I can easily become anxious.  To make matters worse I sometimes allow Satan to fuel my anxiety with materialism.  What begins as a light drizzle of what I think are ‘needs’, can suddenly and quickly turn into a thunderstorm of greedy wants.  The feel-good thankfulness of Thanksgiving Day can become the dark cloud of Black Friday.  I can compare my lot with others and feel underprivileged.  As we read in Ecclesiastes 6:7,    “All human toil is for the mouth, yet the appetite is not satisfied.”

What this verse means to me is that I am not alone in this struggle.  From the time Adam was cursed with feeding his family by the sweat of his brow, we humans have longed for more and more.  Even though God has given us love and grace beyond measure, he still understands this struggle.  Jesus tells us, “…do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat nor about your body, what you put on.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing…But if God so clothes the grass…how much more will he clothe you.”  Luke chapter twelve has a lot to say about being thankful in perspective.

Jesus cares about our physical needs, even a few of our wants; but God calls us to keep our minds on the eternal.  The way we get a proper thankful perspective is by seeking His Kingdom priorities first.

As we enter into this truly Christian season of thanksgiving, let’s all be reminded that we have enough and should be thankful.  I would be surprised if even one person reading this blog were in truly deep need of food and shelter.  But even if we find ourselves one day truly hungry and in need like the little girl in the market, let us be reminded that we are still saved and be…Thankful.  

“Not what you possess but what you do with what you have, determines your true worth.”
-Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)   

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you.  Help me to see my many blessings from your perspective.   Help me to live and to act as I should:  thankful.  Amen.

Dana Jaworski
Anchor Point, AK

The Word I Have Settled In My Heart

As a grandmother of eight, now nine, with a beautiful “grandaughter-in-love” added to the number, I love the Psalm that David wrote in chapter 71:14-18 that begins, “as for me, I will always have hope! I will praise You more and more!” Then he goes on to proclaim his devotion to the Lord, and asks that “even when I am old and gray do not forsake me, O Lord, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” This has been my prayer, too, for many years.

Why is it important to “hunger” for the word of God? I’ve encouraged my children and grandchildren to be regular readers of the word, because I believe it is God’s planbook for the life He designed us for. When in obedience we put Christ on in the waters of baptism we are promised the gift of His Spirit. And we are told that the Holy Spirit enables us to become more like Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:17-18) As I read the word of God, I am prompted by His Spirit, my heart responding to the teaching and leading of the Word.

There is a wonderful song I have heard and its words sweetly remind us of how the Word of God works in our lives:

“Thank you, Lord, for the trials that come my way.

In that way I can grow each day as I let you lead.

And I thank You, Lord, for the patience the trials bring.

In the process of growing I can learn to care.

(And the chorus, an honest confession to the Lord), says:

But it goes against the way I am to put my human nature down

And let the Spirit take control of all I do.

For when those trials come my human nature SHOUTS the thing to do,

And God’s soft promptings can be easily ignored.

I truly believe that when we prayerfully feed on God’s word we grow into “taking every thought captive” for Christ, and we are prompted and reminded of scriptures that help us daily in all kinds of situations!

I hope you are constantly in God’s word, and I’m sure many of you are! But for those who struggle with making the time for this, especially young parents whose schedules are so demanding, I would love to give you two or three suggestions as to how you may grow in your hunger for the Word of God, and encourage your children and grandchildren to do so.

1) You must be “intentional” about your regular reading of the Bible. You know it is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path! Psalm 119:105

2) If you have to, you really CAN get up earlier for your appointment with the Lord for your “quiet time” of reading His word, and praying to Him, with praise and thanksgiving, about the day to come and for those you love. You will find this habit, too, will grow on you!

3) Choose an easily read Bible, and have a plan to read it through in a year. I use the “One Year Bible“, in the NIV version. I strongly recommend it because it becomes habit-forming, as it should, being the revealed word of God! For deeper study I use my regular NIV Bible , with the added use of a Cruden’s concordance, and Nave’s topical Bible at times.

4) Deut. 6:4-9 doesn’t say all that about communication with your children for nothing!!! Read it and commit it to memory! Then translate it into your own modern day life in your family! Talk about the Lord to your children regularly! Let it be second (perhaps we should say first) nature with you! Let your children hear you pray, and confess your faults. Show them you are as much in need of the Lord’s help and forgiveness as anyone is. Then BE forgiving, as the Lord is! Give them the blessed sense of security that comes when they see you faithfully feeding on and relying on the word of God daily. Children who see faith lived out honestly will be much more likely to remain faithful to the Lord as they grow up and go out on their own. Then TALK to them about how important it is to pray and read His word daily, without fail!

The greatest joy in my life now as I look back over 76 years is the fact that my children and grandchildren love the Lord and His Body, and are faithfully trying to be in His Word every day, and be in prayer constantly in all they do.

I pray you too, have that joy.

Dear Father in heaven, please fill your children with as deep a hunger for Your Word as we have for our daily bread! Thank You that we have the written Word so readily available to us! Please don’t let any child of yours be filled with regret some day that they didn’t take the opportunity to be fed daily by this great blessing You have left for us! In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen

Jan McCoy
Merkel, Texas

Redeemed!! How I Love To Proclaim It!!

How can God possibly declare me to be ‘a righteous man’?  Paul wrote about himself in I Timothy 1:13, ‘Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.’  He adds in verse 15, ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.’  Paul knew that he was an undeserving sinner and we know the same about ourselves.  SO, HOW CAN GOD POSSIBLY DECLARE US ‘RIGHTEOUS’?

For all of us, (for Romans, for you and me, for Jews and Gentiles, and for Paul himself) Paul wrote to the Roman Christians to explain the gospel’s impact for our spiritual lives.  Romans 3:21-26 is a key text explaining HOW we can be RIGHTEOUS in the eyes of God.  Paul says in vv. 23-25, ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.’  There are deep concepts about salvation explained by Paul in these three verses.

This article will examine one of those deep concepts.  REDEMPTION!!!  The word Paul uses is the word s (English apolutrosis).  In New Testament times, it was a word from the world of slavery.  It means ‘to be set free from a situation where one is powerless to liberate oneself.’

You can almost imagine one standing on the auction block—being sold to the highest bidder. His life will not be his own.  He will do the bidding of his master.  If somehow, the one who purchased the slave decided  that he was paying the asking price for the slave in order to set him free, that is the concept of redemption.  Paul says this is precisely what happened to us as sinners.  We stand guilty before God.  We stand undeserving.  But, even though we have fallen short of God’s glory, God presents Jesus as   ‘a sacrifice of atonement’ on our behalf TO REDEEM US.  He pays the price that sets us free from our bondage to slavery.  As an old Christian song says, ‘He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay.  I needed someone to wash my sins away.  Now I sing a brand new song ‘Amazing Grace’, because Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.’

The gospel is good news—it is great news—it is amazing news.  Because of our redemption in Jesus Christ, I am righteous in the eyes of God.

Prayer:  God, help me to live every day with a sense of awe because You have provided the means for me to be righteous before You.  

Terry Brown
Abilene, Texas

Are You Ready for Christmas

There is a lot to get done with Christmas being 12 days away.   I am busy checking off my list of things to do, putting up the tree, the decorations, the gifts and the grocery shopping list. As I think about everything I am preparing to do it made me think about everything Mary and Joseph had on their plate with the arrival of Jesus over 2000 years ago. As I reflected on Luke 2 and the birth of Jesus it made me realize part of my preparation for Christmas is responding to the truth of who Christ is. Jesus fulfilled God’s promise of a Messiah. When we put our faith in the promise we get to look forward to His second return.  He will return to redeem those whom he has saved.  

There are similarities between how the people prepared for Jesus birth and how we prepare for his second coming. 

Obedience: Luke 2:21-24
            Mary and Joseph named their son Jesus as the angel Gabriel commanded them.
            They traveled out of town to have Jesus circumcised on the 8th day according to Jewish law.
            They brought a sacrifice to the temple for Mary’s purification as commanded.
            They presented Jesus at the temple as their firstborn to dedicate him to the Lord as 

              commanded in Leviticus 12:1-7.

Are we obedient to God’s instruction?  Are we willing to obey when it is going to cost us something or we may be inconvenienced? 

Read the word and live by the Spirit: Luke 2:25-32 gives us an example with Simeon.
            Simeon was watchful, righteous and devout.
            He knew the prophecies about the Messiah and he was waiting for Him.
            He was in tune with the Holy Spirit and he recognized the Messiah.
            He was at the temple watchful when Mary and Joseph arrived

In Luke 2:26 the bible says it was revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon made a choice to listen to the Spirit and he chose to believe.  In verse 27  it says the Spirit led him to go to the temple.  It was no coincidence that he was there when Mary and Joseph arrived.  He was accustomed to listening to the Spirit’s prompting and obeying. 

Are we in the word, so we will recognize the signs of the second coming of Christ? Are we listening and obeying the Spirits prompting? 

Dear Father, As each day passes, the return of my Savior is nearer.  I  long to see his face.  As I wait, help me recognize your Spirit as you guide me each day. Also give me the strength to obey your commands.  Help me to recognize the deceiver as he shoots excuses my way not to do things because they may take me out of my way or cost me something. I want to be about your will.   In the name of Jesus, my Savior, Amen.

Terry Smith
Stephenville, TX

Duck Tape Christmas Lights

Sometimes I wait too long to get things done.  Some would call it procrastination.  I prefer to refer to it as “waiting until all the facts have had time to materialize” because it just sounds better.  I got my Christmas lights up on December 9th.  Some people may not think that’s too late but when you have to drive to seven stores and over 75 miles just to buy Christmas lights, it’s probably waiting a little too late.  The other problem waiting that long is that none of the seven stores, even the store with the lights, have the hooks you need to hang them off the shingles that late in the season.  So, I did something the Robertsons of Duck Dynasty fame would appreciate, I hung them with duct tape.  It’s the heavy duty, outdoor duct tape so I have faith it will hold.  (As I write this, I’m only one day removed from putting the lights up so the jury is still out.)  It was great entertainment for my son and he even took a picture to proudly show his friends.  

Too often, my walk with God resembles my search for Christmas lights.  At the last minute, when I really need to spend time with God, I’ll get busy and do whatever I need to do to be in His presence.  I will even go so far as to try and throw duct tape on the problem just so I can get it done.  When I have to.  It’s after these moments that I ask myself why I haven’t spent more time in His word, why I haven’t spent more time in prayer, why I haven’t spent more time in silence.  Why didn’t I wake up today with the thought of getting closer to God instead of running through a mental checklist of what I need to get accomplished?  

Psalm 23 starts with “The Lord is my shepherd, I will not want” but I often start the day and spend the day wanting so many things besides a simple walk with the Lord.  I want to grow closer to God each day so that I feel, in all that I do, I am walking with my shepherd and knowing that all I need is taken care of.  I want to be better at waking up with God, walking with God and ending the day with God instead of rushing God into the open moments of my life and trying to wrap it all up with duct tape.  I can get by with redneck Christmas lights strung with duct tape but I know I cannot get by without a focused, ongoing relationship with God.  I know it.  I want to spend my remaining days living it.

Grace and peace

Jeff Jones

Decatur, Texas

Remember

This week, my brothers and I got together; the four Shero boys in one place. This doesn’t happen often so it was an event. We ate, we laughed, we prayed; we told stories and remembered. We talked about our boyhood, our relatives and our father and mother. It was great! One thing I noticed was how different some of the memories were. I mean, we were all there. We saw the event unfold right in front of us. We are reasonably honest, so why two to four versions of the story?

Here is what I think. We forget. Then we fill in the story and when we tell it again, we have a new story. Eventually, the ‘new’ details are part of our memory.

  

I think God knew this about us, so He gave us the Lord’s Supper ‘lest we forget’. There are some things we must never forget. So He gave us this meal and instructions concerning it. This reinforces the big truths so we won’t forget.

When we eat the Lord’s Supper, we are to examine ourselves. This is to remind us of how badly we need a Savior. We are also to remember His death. This reminds us of the great price God and His Son paid for our salvation. This means our sins are serious. It also means God is serious about saving us and that He REALLY loves us. So each week, we go over the main points of the Gospel story so we will have it right and not forget.

I think my brothers and I need to get together more often.

Dear Father, Thank you for being You. Thank you for loving me even though I am sinful. Thank you for giving your Son to save me. Thank you for giving me the Lord’s Supper so I won’t forget. Thank you that my brothers and sisters meet on Sunday to remember together. Help me and please forgive me. Until He returns, I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus.   Amen

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas

Building character: it's major, not minor

I was having lunch with one of my RAs (I work in Residence Life at ACU) today, and she said something really profound that, I think, people try to avoid thinking about a lot. She was talking about her relationship with one of her friends, and the fact that this friend is making some choices she shouldn't be making and is spending time with some people she shouldn't be spending time with. My RA told her friend, "Yeah, Jesus spent time with drunks and prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners. But they weren't His inner circle! You can't be constantly surrounding yourself with these people and expect not to fall sometimes."

My sweet, 19-year-old friend spoke some incredible wisdom in that moment. I think the cool, "hipster" thing to do these days is to say, "Screw the system! Let's hang out in bars and with potheads and drunks and stuff. They just need to know the love of Jesus." That's true. They do need to know the love of Jesus. But if their perception of what Jesus' love means includes a lack of accountability, then what good are we doing those people, anyway? And if we don't have a righteous, encouraging, disciplined community of friends to turn to, it isn't likely that we'll be able to resist temptation long-term. I guess I must be referencing the old scriptural cliché: "Bad company corrupts good character."

I agree with that to an extent. If the bad only commune with the bad and the good only commune with the good, who is bringing hope to the bad? No one. And who is broadening the perspective and capacity to love of the good? No one. Yes, we have much to learn from the "bad" ("bad" goes in quotes because it is not absolute, nor is it necessarily the most accurate description of the group I reference. For the sake of simplicity, the good-bad dichotomy makes the most sense). But, I'd be fooling myself if I said that I can spend all my time with people who consistently get drunk and not be tempted to give in to drunkenness. If I'm going to transcend that barrier, I cannot do it alone. Jesus did it consistently with twelve other people at his back. How arrogant of me to assume that my moral fiber is stronger than that of the man who said, "Hey, I'll volunteer to die on behalf of the good and the bad. They're all the same to me. Dichotomy shattered. Barrier broken." No, I think I need some Jameses, Andrews, and Bartholomews of my own. If we seek out those who are far from the Lord as a community, we provide the proper context to hold each other accountable in our time spent with those who are immersed in darkness.

Should I give my time to the liars, cheaters, drunks, potheads, adulterers? Absolutely. Should I do it alone? No. I should do it alongside my fellow Christian liars, cheaters, drunks, potheads, and adulterers. Because we've all been there, too, but we've just been fortunate enough to accept and receive redemption already. We're no better than the ones who are still dwelling in it. My dust is no better than theirs, because we all come from the same dust, and to the dust we will return. I am never better than them.

Bad company can corrupt good character, yes. And self-righteous, closed-minded pretentiousness prevents any kind of character that can do kingdom work from being built. He humbled Himself to the point of death, even to death on a cross. It isn't too much trouble to humble myself in this simple way.

Erin E. Daugherty, Abilene Christian University

Forgive, Then Commune

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Colossians 3:12-13

Nestled alongside compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience is the challenge to forgive each other.  As Christians we live in a perpetual state of forgiveness because Jesus died in our place, and we forgive others because God has forgiven us.    

Do people who hold grudges and refuse to forgive think they are better than God?

When Christians gather around the communion table, forgiveness is an honored guest.  It would be haughty to share in that Holy meal, remembering our Savior’s death, burial and resurrection, with malice in our hearts.

We must perpetually forgive others and mend relationships before eating the bread and drinking the wine.  (How embarrassing it would be to choke to death on a wad of our own pride!)  Life goes down so much easier when we can feast on healthy servings of grace from one another.

Father God, impress on us the importance of forgiveness before we eat at your table.  We long for tender, forgiving, non-judgmental hearts and want to deal graciously with each other like you have always dealt with us.  Thank you for forgiving us, through Christ, amen.

Sandra Milholland
Abilene, Texas

CELEBRATE

On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover.

Joshua 5:10

It may seem unusual that God’s people would celebrate death.  The Passover was a horribly, traumatic event, causing tens or, maybe, hundreds of thousands of deaths.  Before the Israelites were given their freedom from bondage, I can imagine the screams of anguish from the “unprotected homes” was difficult to endure.  Everyone wanted the carnage to end.  But, the Israelites want to remember.  Every year since, Israelite families have shared a meal and retold the story of the Lord’s Passover.  Knowing human nature, it is likely that over time the meal had become ritualistic.  The intent all along was for the Israelites to remember their escape from Egypt.  They were to remember God’s power and leading.  They were to remind each other to seek the Lord, as He is the only true God.  They should be encouraging each other to turn to the Lord with all their heart, soul and strength.

It was in this context that Jesus shared a Passover meal with his disciples.  Jesus, on the eve of his arrest and crucifixion, redefined the celebratory meal.  The familiar became new and, possibly, a little bit awkward to Jesus’ apostles.  The unleavened bread was now to represent Jesus’ body given as a ransom for the world.  The wine was now to represent Jesus’ blood soon to be shed as a cleansing, atoning sacrifice.  Once again… celebrating death.  The significance of this event is that in His death we find life.

Pharoah’s heart was so hard that he needed the shock of the Passover to allow God’s will to be done.  Likewise, our sin was so great we needed the death of a perfect sacrifice to free us from the bondage of sin.  It is through death we are saved.  This is the power of God at work and that is something to celebrate.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us remember and appreciate the gift of your son.  We believe he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and, consequently, we have eternal life through his death.  We praise you for your merciful kindness.  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith
Stephenville, Texas

A Lesson for a Lifetime

A few years ago a friend asked me, “If you could teach children only one thing about God, what would it be?”

Tough question.

I answered with the usual disclaimers.

My answer final answer?  
Grace!

Why grace?

Grace is the one thing that empowers discipleship. Children can (and should!) learn about holiness, righteousness, the sovereignty of God, the judgment and a number of other things that teach us about God and what it means to live in His will. But grace is the singular thing that keeps us stepping into faith every day.

We are wrapped in skin.  We sin.  We fall down.  We blow it.  

The reality of our frailty as human beings can (and often is!) overwhelming.

I think this is the number one reason why so many Christians simply throw their hands up and quit.  We equate failure with value.  “Are we loveable?” we ask.  “Nope.”  So…we check it in and live out our days wandering what “gospel, kingdom, hope, forgiveness” are supposed to mean on a practical level

I remarked to my friend that I am struck again and again with how many stories in scripture set before us the failures of God’s people BUT also show us God’s response to the same.    

The landscape of Scripture is covered with them.

And, these stories remind us that God wants us to love Him back.  He wants us to look to Him for strength and wisdom.  In our moments of failure He wants us to realize that He wants us – everybody – to enjoy His presence and love in the hereafter.

That’s the bottom line of Christ’s entry into human experience.

It’s the baseline of his ministry.

It is the bright thread woven through his teachings.

And, it is the bold declaration of his death and resurrection.

But do we remember that….really?

We need to.

Think about these scriptures this week:

Hebrews 2:17 – “Therefore, he had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 10:22 “ – …let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

We need to remember these truths about God and about our relationship with Him.

Do you remember?

Oh Father, thank you for your indescribable gift.  We are weak but you are strong.   Bring to our minds in our moments of spiritual failure that you love us and desire relationship with us.  Strike from our minds the slanderous statements that Satan assaults us with that can lead to despair and estrangement from you.  Help us to always look up knowing that you offer us through your son every help we need to draw near to you in wisdom, peace and strength.  Because of Jesus…Amen

Randy Daugherty

Stephenville, Texas

Attitude

It seems so much of life is unraveling. Our economy is in decline; there are new dangers everywhere and so much disappointment. Life is getting harder and anxiety is growing.

The world Paul lived in was a lot like ours today, but his had already gone over the cliff. Persecution had begun and he had the scars to prove it.

So, how could he be so optimistic? In the fourth chapter of II Corinthians, he says things like “We do not lose heart”. In chapter five he says “We are of good courage”.  Was he a liar or was he naïve? No, he had no illusions about this present life. He said, in chapter four, verse eleven, “We are always being given up to death!”

So, how did he do it? Paul saw the current situation very clearly but he also saw Jesus and His work. Paul believed Christ had overcome the world. He calls it a “treasure”. He talks about the “Glory God” and “things that are eternal”.

The world is done for. Our bodies are dying; many are perishing and lies are everywhere. And yet, the Word of God is the truth. This truth is like light shining in our heart and out of our lives. This truth is like a treasure entrusted to us and transcendent power belongs to God. Jesus has conquered death. He has overcome sin and is coming back for us. Look around and it looks bad but life through the eyes of faith looks much different. We are of good courage. I don’t have to win; He already has. I come from God and am going to God. So my problem is like Peter’s problem in the lake. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, the storm looks bad.

Dear God, I praise you for who you are. You created everything. There is no one like you. You have all power. Everything you made works. There is no one like you. You have all wisdom and knowledge. We have sinned greatly and You sent Your only Son to die for our forgiveness. There is no one like you. You are all love. Why am I worried? Why am I afraid? Why don’t I trust you? I have failed again! Please forgive me. Help my unbelief. Thank You for this forgiveness. I love You and praise You. And I pray to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus.   Amen

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas

PRAYING the Names of God

A friend of mine was recently served with divorce papers. This is devastating to her and her small

child.  Where does she go for refuge? As recorded in the Psalms one thing David did was he prayed the Names of God. Here are only a few scattered throughout the Psalms: Dwelling place, fortress, shield, refuge, strong tower. When my friend hits a trouble spot in her life she always goes to God first. We discussed this week how praying the names of God invokes the God who has promised to watch over her and keep her safe.  

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2))

Over and over the promise is made—not just that God will provide a refuge but that he will be a refuge.   The problem is that we forget to run to him. The psalmist encourages us to align our lives with God’s values and yield to his Spirit and trust him to work things out for good even when life seems to be completely going the wrong way.

Take a couple moments to reflect on your life and what you are going through. What has kept you from experiencing God as your fortress? Do you feel like your situation is impossible? Do you simply always rely on yourself? Have you dug a whole so deep you feel nothing can help? Are you angry at God for letting you down? Have you been looking for shelter elsewhere? Tell God today that you are ready to grasp, not just the idea of his faithfulness, but the experience of it. Run to him and you will find shelter.

Promises in Scripture

·   Strong Tower
Remember that God is a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:3)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

·   Shield
Be confident because God is your shield and great reward. (Genesis 15:1)
Remember that God is a shield and helper against enemies. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
Call on the Lord, who is your strength and your shield. (Psalm 28:7)

·   Dwelling Place
Express your longing to dwell with God. (Psalm 27:4-5)
Envision God as your dwelling place. (Psalm 90:1-2)

·   Refuge
Remember that God cares for those who trust him. (Nahum 1:7)
Believe that the Lord is an ever-present help. (Psalm 46:1)
Know that the eternal God is our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Find rest in God. (Psalm 62:5-7)

·   Fortress
Proclaim that the Lord is your fortress and deliverer. (2 Samuel 22:1-3)
Refuse to give in to fear because God is your fortress. (Psalm 46:2-7)
Let your soul find rest in God. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Most High God my Strong Tower, Shield my friend and make a Fortress around her. Be her Refuge and Dwelling place as she goes through this very tough time in her life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Terry Smith
Stephenville, TX.

"Gangnam Style" meet "Reality"

Can you name some of the top song/video’s on YouTube?  

Justin Bieber “Baby”; Lady Gaga “Bad Romance”; Eminem and Rihanna “Love the Way you Lie”; Jennifer Lopez “On the Floor.”  These and a few others have over 500 millions hits.

But the number one song/video is by a Korean singer named “Psy.”  “Gangnam Style” is closing in on one billion hits!

What’s it about?

In a nutshell it’s about a guy wooing a girl with a colorful assortment of choreography and sexual innuendo that support the basic message of the song. 

It doesn’t have a meaning.  Not really. There is no deep message.  It is a headlong plunge into the surreal.  The message of the song is as old as dirt.  Someone described it as “getting high in miniature.” Much like the effect of a drug, the beat is everything.  Take the beat away and the song is b-o-r-i-n-g!

The song isn’t indicative of anything special about the artist.  But it is strongly indicative of what is happening in our culture.  Such artists are simply riding the trends driven by the instinctual.  They find a niche and use it to their benefit.  People said the same thing about Elvis.  Elvis started something.  Elvis also revealed something about people…something that has always been there. 

Deep down in the pit of our souls, we love the surreal.  It allows us to be in the moment with little thought of anything beyond the moment.  To be carefree.  To feel what we want to feel.  Its appeal is not in itself.  Not really.  It is brought to life by what is inside human beings.  Gangnam Style is really about what’s in people.

Why is so hard to be a Christian?  You can answer that one from a lot of angles.  I don’t mean Christian in a doctrinal sense or whether we gather in assembly with other believers.  I’m talking about our ability to intersect our “minds” and “spirits” with the Spirit of God.  To live in a consciousness of God.  It’s hard to do.  It’s hard because it transports us away from the surreal and into thought about real things – things that really matter.     

The ESV of Ephesians 5:15-20 reads this way:

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

The Message says it this way:

¹⁵So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!  ¹⁷ Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.  ^18-20 Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

These words are as current as when they were first written.  More importantly, they strike at the root of our daily challenge to be people who live above the intoxication that comes with the surreal and in the reality that is the Spirit of God and the discovery of His will for our lives.  

·    Look carefully – watch

·    Make the best use of our time.

·    Seek God’s will.

·    Avoid a life of sedation – keep our wits about us.

·    Live in the Spirit through songs that stimulate our minds about the things of God and His kingdom.

This text from Ephesians chapter five probably won’t get many hits on YouTube.  But, it has everything to do with living a life of wisdom that transcends the temporary and deceptive promises that come with the surreal.  In short it helps us be in our moments as we can and should so that we can "make the most of the time."

Father, may our spirits reach out for Your Spirit everyday.  Show us continually the wisdom and blessing that come from keeping our sensed sharpened to the things that really matter.  Amen. 

Randy Daugherty

Stephenville, Texas

Uncle Screwtape

In The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, Uncle Screwtape, a senior demon, gives advice to Wormwood, a junior demon, on how to tempt his patient and secure the damnation of the young man.   Using the persona of Screwtape, Lewis is able to flip common wisdom upside down and guide his readers to consider the threats to their own relationship to God.

There’s much that Screwtape does not understand about God. Screwtape puzzles over the inexplicable appeal God has to humans and can’t fathom His motives in loving

them. 

But Screwtape is adept at temptation. For example, Screwtape knows that direct assaults on the logic of salvation are not as effective as subtle distractions from worship.  And he recognizes that war (the setting of the piece is WWII) brings many opportunities to secure the damnation of humans but even more opportunities for humans to turn to God and be saved. 

This semester I had my freshman class read The Screwtape Letters. As a writing assignment, I had my students take on the persona of Screwtape to write how to tempt a college freshman.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  But my students understood both the persona of  Screwtape and  the real  temptations they face. 

In their essays, they talked about how college is a prime time for temptation because they are vulnerable; they are separated from the foundations they grew up with—home, school, and church.  They want to make new friends, to succeed in school, to continue their walk with God, but each of these desires comes with opportunities to fail.

I learned from my students that one way to tempt a young man away from his studies was to distract him during class by having him notice how the young women are dressed.  A way to tempt young women is with the attraction of a male, so that she will trust the words of her date more than the words of her Lord.  Others wrote about parties that put social life ahead of schoolwork until assignments are due and then to tempt the student with ideas about how to cheat. Students wrote about how easy it is to sleep in on Sunday mornings and drift away from a close walk with God. I was proud of my students for their insights and ability to articulate these temptations.

In reflecting on this assignment, I realized that self-awareness is the necessary first armor of protection against temptation. C.S. Lewis was clever to use the character of Screwtape to bring his readers to an awareness of temptation.  If we aren’t aware of our temptations, how can we resist them?

Our second armor of protection comes in the admonition Paul gave to the Corinthians: temptation is real, but God provides the escape.  I Corinthians 10:13 says, “The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it” (New Century Version).

Nancy Shankle

Abilene Christian University