Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 43

It Can Come Out of Nowhere

How long are you willing to wait to hear God’s answer to prayer? Brandon Adams’ blog reminds us that hope is constant, even when our sight fails us.

Another home run, Brandon. Well done!

Brandon J. Adams

“I haven’t given up hope, but…”

I was catching up with a friend. She and her daughter have seen a rough stretch. Death in the family, countless unanswered prayers. Though my battles were different, we reached the same conclusion: the last fifteen years had not gone as we’d hoped.

When you go that long with something wrong, your mind finds ways to deal with it. The most common is to assume that this is how things will always be. This is how God operates; this is his modus operandi for you. Every year offers hope. But it always ends with disappointment. The last go-around didn’t bring any breakthrough, you reason; why would this one?

“I haven’t given up hope, but…”.

We know in our hearts that we shouldn’t throw in the towel. Still, our hope features a “But”. We’re not sure we want to put our hearts out there. Not again. It…

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Are You Being Nudged?

[image error]Six years ago, Life was Perfect—until it wasn’t. Or was it still Perfect while changing direction?

Six years ago I didn’t have a care in the world. I still considered myself a newlywed after four years of marriage to the man of my dreams. My job fulfilled me professionally. My kids were happy and healthy. My local church embraced me with an unyielding love.

But I had no idea what was coming. Without realizing it, God had nudged me into preparation for what was to follow.

He nudged me to read powerful, life-speaking books. He nudged me to seek love-affirming conversations and prayers. He nudged me to wrap my heart in worship music and instructional podcasts.

I thought I was seeking a higher plane of living. I had no idea I was in training—a boot camp training ground—for what was coming my way.

Any one of us can be living the life of our dreams, only to have it challenged. Will you be ready? 1 Peter 3:15 offers words I’ve read dozens of times—a sweet verse—yet when I read it again six years ago it was like I read it for the first time: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have… 

I knew God loved me before my life was challenged. I was certain. But I had no idea that I would have to take that knowledge to the bank … that I would need to carry that certainty with me through some of the most challenging days of my life.

Has God nudged you? Nudges don’t come with warnings. And nudges don’t necessarily mean you will have a catastrophe ahead of you, but it does mean he is preparing you for more. He will give you exactly what you need when you need it.

Ever been nudged? I’d love to hear about it.

The God of Winks and Lost Wallets

There are many characteristics that Millennials are painted with–many not too flattering. But check out Brandon Adam and his latest blog post. After reading Brandon’s posts and other posts like his, I feel confident that our future is in good hands.

Brandon J. Adams

The Neurotic Self-examination Department sent me a memo today: I haven’t been very personal on my blog lately.

So in the interest of shoring that up, I’m postponing my last Prodigal Son installment. I want to take time to get the theology right anyway.

Besides – I have a story in the meantime. If you want to know the delights of walking with God.

Last summer, I had an illuminating conversation in Subway with an old youth group friend I hadn’t seen in fifteen years. I linked to the story here, but basically, it was me and him ironically discovering we’d both envied the other’s gifts in high school and dismissed our own. It was the kind of talk that blows the lid off your assumptions about your story, leaves you madly reevaluating.

God’s message in it for me: “Stop envying, and stop resenting yourself.”

Like everyone, I’ve got attributes I wish I could change (not sin, just personality)…

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The Shack—What It Is and Isn’t

[image error]I ‘ve seen several rumblings over the newly released movie, The Shack. I’ve read posts from those who sob because of the brilliance in addressing forgiveness after staggering intense pain and I’ve seen comments about how these slices of information are wrapped in the devil’s web.

How can the movie, The Shack affect people so differently?

Movies made over the years have attempted to communicate scripture. I laugh even now remembering the scene from 1962’s epic film, Sodom and Gomorrah when Lot left the city with his family. The movie shows hundreds of people fleeing the city with Lot (played by Stewart Granger) running along the procession, saying, “Don’t look back! Don’t look back!” Scripture tells us it didn’t happen that way at all.

Or what about movies such as Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, and The Greatest Story Ever Told? Scriptural accuracy didn’t always seem to be such a concern as was their main objective: telling a good story. And for those who choose to view The Shack through the same lens—seeing a good story—what then, is the problem?

Could it be that we now want quick fixes of scripture spoon-fed to us without putting any effort into it? Are we so entrenched in the “I-Want-It-Now” lifestyle that we choose not to take any responsibility for what we read or watch?

In all the reviews I’ve read, I have not seen one that promoted William P. Young as offering a God-inspired work. Instead, I see interpretations of the opinion of William P. Young. He did not write scripture. He never said he wrote scripture. So don’t you think tagging him with the burden of defending a rendition of a dream he had seems a bit intense?

If we seek to understand God—know who He is and embrace what he wants to be to each of us—wouldn’t it be better to seek him where he lives rather than watch a movie about what people’s opinions are? Listen to God’s own conversation with Moses as shared in Exodus 3:14 (God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”).

People have been hurt when truth blurs with opinion surrounding the topic of Scripture. Bashing those who are interested in seeing a movie that offers opinions doesn’t do much to build up the kingdom of God. If and when people ask questions regarding The Shack’s underlining questions like where is God in a world filled with unspeakable pain … how can God be an African-American woman … could Jesus really be a jean-wearing hippie… accept the open door as an invitation to share Truth to match the opinion they had just witnessed.

Give yourself permission to enjoy the movie, The Shack. I’d love to hear your review. However, if you are looking for a scripture-satisfying experience while munching popcorn and slurping a soda, you may want to reconsider.

2016: A Year in Review

[image error]The year 2017 is in full swing. Have you reviewed the plans you had made for 2016? How did you do?

I didn’t meet all my goals. In fact, I only met a few.

I wanted to publish my book, Ten Days to Live, but it didn’t happen. Additionally, my speaker’s calendar didn’t fill as much as I had hoped.

But I’m excited because I’m seeing God at work. I see reminders of that every time I sit at my desk. I trust that God’s word is good.

Unanticipated opportunities came before me. Different people crossed my path during 2016 that I believe were divinely lead. For these reasons, I have hope and excitement as I enter 2017.

Are you focused on what you missed or on the serendipitous events that blessed your life last year? It’s a choice … and I choose blessings.

What say you?

 

Valentine’s Day Every Day

[image error]I saw a post on social media to all those who say they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. He charged that it was a cop-out when they say, “We celebrate Valentine’s Day every day. This is just a commercial holiday!”

I know some folks believe that, but this was my reply.

“Sorry, but I’m one of those gals who isn’t moved by Valentine’s Day cards. I watch guys stand in front of the card section at the grocery store, looking at each other, trying to figure out what would cost the least amount of money and effort to check off the list that they put effort into the holiday. These attitudes don’t do anything for me.

“Instead, this is what moves me to tears …



“My husband brings me breakfast in bed Monday through Friday because he wants to honor me. He doesn’t get upset when I hog the remote and will sit with me through sappy love movies–and even uses as many tissues as I do. He tells me that I’m beautiful when I know I’ve gained weight and never misses making over my latest haircut, even when it looks less than stellar. But what I find most loving and sexy, is this man loves God first and me second. If that isn’t showing love to me, I don’t know what does.

“My friend, my husband and I DO celebrate Valentine’s Day every day.

“Y’all can have fun on February 14th. Buy your cards and eat in crowded restaurants. You’ll get no judgment from me. But know that I’ll be curled up on my couch with my husband, catching up on DVR’d TV shows, munching on popcorn and thanking God that I’ve been blessed with a man who understands my heart.”

If you’ve been blessed, please enjoy your sweetie in the manner that suits you best.

Finding New Purpose From My Pain

[image error]I enjoy blogs by people who have dealt with difficult times; times where they were stretched and learned a bit more about who they were. I’m happy to share a new one I’ve found.

http://www.powerfulu.net/ is by Latoya Saddler. This blog is a culmination of a process of seeking to find and fulfill God’s purpose for her life and in the process inspire and motivate others to do the same.

I hope you are encouraged by her love of God and willingness to look for blessings in the darkest of places.

http://www.powerfulu.net/2017/01/31/purpose-from-pain/

We Are All Responsible

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This post has been edited from last November’s post. But the message still needs repeating …

The election happened. And now Inauguration Day is upon us.

Some people are happy with the outcome, Many people, however, are fearful of what may be in America’s future. Some have even taken to demonstrating in the streets. Not because of wrongs done to them, but because of the threat that wrong may be done to them in the future. Some colleges are still handing out soothing hot chocolate and even assign comfort dogs to students who are dealing with intense fear.

No matter what side of the discussion you’re on, we are all responsible from this point on. We need to be responsible and not spew rhetoric, but to listen to and speak Truth.

That means you, too, CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX, MSNBC. I have been watching the evening news. All that seems to make air play are the haters: John Lewis, Meryl Streep, and even elected political representatives who refuse to attend Friday’s transfer of power. See the influence you have, Mr. News Anchor? You seem to want me to agree with your position of “I told you so, America. The entire country sees our leader as a dictator and we will be destroyed.”

I feel the need to turn to different sources of information because I’ve stopped [image error]trusting the media. For me, they’ve lost all credibility.

News stations, you can fix this! Don’t give us editorialized truth. We can handle the real stuff. And we can accept what you have to say if we know you trust us to make our own decisions. We want to trust you, but you have to give us something to work with.

And my fellow neighbors, remember … children are watching us. They are learning how to maneuver Life by our examples. Let’s listen as much as we speak. Offer kindness instead of hostility. See one another as a brother or sister, not an adversary.

We are all responsible from here as to how we plan on getting through this time in our country’s history. Let’s do it with style–with class. Let’s show the world that this is still the best country around.

What do you say?

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

 

It’s All About Me—NOT!

[image error]I love the Apostle Peter. He’s like most of us and knows what it’s like to be self-centered and a bit egotistical. Scripture passages that share his early antics comfort my heart. I see clearly that if God can redeem Peter, surely I’m redeemable, too. To prove my point, check out the passage on the Transfiguration as written in Mark 9:2-5:



… Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. … And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

The author of the Gospel of Mark (Early Christian tradition ascribes it to John Mark, the companion and interpreter of the apostle Peter), painted a beautiful picture of self-importance and even arrogance in Peter’s words, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah”.

In your mind’s eye can you see Peter puffing out his chest, putting his hands [image error]on his hips and taking the stance of a superhero? Amazing!

I’m not coming down on Peter. In truth, I feel akin to him. More times than I’d like to admit I, too, get wrapped up in my own self-importance.

It’s probably something we should all be leery of.

It’s a dangerous trap when Christians think, Good thing I’m here, Father. I can save the day. We forget that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is as one redeemed, not as a consultant.

True, Scripture tells us we are highly honored and made a little lower than angels (Hebrews 2:6-8). But we are still sinners in need a redemption. The Son of God—pause a minute and think about that … The Son of God—became flesh so he could restore God’s relationship with mankind. How do I have the audacity to believe He needs my help?

Yet sometimes I do.

Striving to get over my arrogance, I remind myself daily that His plans are perfect. I am the one who needs to see what I can do to support them.

I don’t think I will ever fully comprehend the full magnitude of God’s great love for me this side of Glory. But what I do know is that I want to be aware and on guard for ugly Christian arrogance and self-importance that tries to control my heart.

What do you do to be on your guard against self-importance?

The View From Where I’m Sitting

[image error]It’s a new year with a one-word theme: change.

– A technological revolution has wrapped around our world like a cloud. Did the Russians hack us or was it someone else?

– Have you ever seen a season where politics were in such flux? Right side or left side, nobody seems to know what to expect.

– The DOW is at an all-time high, edging up to 20,000. Interest rates will move, but it hasn’t been determined if that’s a good thing or bad—if they’ll go up or down.

Listen to conversations in any restaurant across the country and you will hear anything from cheers to laments. Change has taken over our world.

That’s why I am thankful that some things never change. The final exhortations from Hebrews 13 calm my soul when I feel like there’s too much change going on around me. “Never will I leave you nor forsake you,” (vs 5) is a promise I can ground myself in. Or, “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever,” (vs 8) blankets my heart with peace when the political pundits start filling the airwaves with their banter.

Don’t be distracted by the pretty colors nor promises of doom that are floating through our nation these days. And on a not-so-grand scale, don’t let the challenges of your day get you down. God has never been surprised by any of the shenanigans or tomfooleries of this world. Close your eyes and take a deep breath if you must, but remember that God is still on His throne.

Are changes adversities or opportunities? What gives you comfort during these days of change?