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Finding the Lost

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5I absolutely hate losing things and especially my Bibles and books. Recently my husband came home from his job and handed me a Bible. “Did you lose this–back in October?” he asked. I welcomed back my favorite go-to-church Bible that I had lost months ago. He found it under the seat in his car. I had searched all the lost and found spots at church, both family cars, my office, our bedroom, the bookcases and had finally given up on finding the Bible.

I am blessed to have a large collection of Bibles and many have their various purposes. I have a morning devotion Bible, several New Testaments that I read from at a support group, a well-worn Bible by my computer, several serious study Bibles, three or four paraphrases, my high school Bible, and the Jewish holy scriptures. They seem like family members and I mourned the loss of my thin Bible with the butterfly sticker inside. I started taking one of my husband’s Bibles to church. I recognize that I’m “old school” since I cannot feel comfortable with a cell phone or e-reader version at church. Besides, I like turning real pages and that’s usually faster than the electronic ones.

How joyous it is to experience the lost returning. Especially so when it is a lost pet or family member. Our teenage daughter once left home abruptly and we, friends and police, searched frantically for several hours until she was found. Bittersweet relief. Years earlier we had a pet cat that disappeared for about three days, and my husband spent several nights sleeping on the floor next to the sliding glass door in case he returned. Thankfully, the dear grimy, hungry cat came home. But it’s not always the case as a cat that disappeared when I was a child–most likely the victim of a stealthy fox. We always worry about the vulnerability of the lost.

The same Bible that reappeared at home shares a trio of stories about the lost in Luke 15. The last parable about two sons and a faithful father has inspired people and art for centuries. The wayward son in that story had asked his father for his inheritance which amounted to wishing his father was dead. It’s not clear how many months or years passed until the son had used up his money in “wild living.” Later he decided to return home and ask to be a hired hand, rather than starve. His father must have been sitting on the front porch, or on the roof, watching for his son every day. He ended up running to greet his son with kisses, forgiveness, reinstatement, and a party. (The other brother’s reaction reveals another aspect of God’s compassion and inclusion.)

So cats, kids, and compassion are all wrapped up in my lost Bible returning home. I had even forgotten that I had tucked a small folded note with my mother’s handwriting in the back of that Bible: “There is no other word for grace, but amazing.”

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. Have you ever been the one that was lost?

2. What’s the most interesting or exciting recovery you have experienced?

Karen Spruill writes from Orlando, Florida.

The post Finding the Lost appeared first on Answers for Me.

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Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Answers for Me.

Beliefs and Facts

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On a weekend evening my husband and I turned to a YouTube video debate among two distinguished English science professors. Both men taught in the same university department, one as a Christian and one as an atheist. The topic concerned whether one could rationally believe in God and science at the same time, or which one was the more rational belief. Debates usually stress me with their high level of defensiveness and posturing. These men were passionate yet civil in their comments and replies. It was obvious from the start that neither of them would change position.

We listened carefully to the discussion, knowing that intellectuals can use verbal manipulation to gain points or confuse. At the end of the debate, we agreed that both men made some understandable points. And people need that kind of recognition to humbly listen to each other. Bottom line, we all have beliefs upon which to base our faith. However, not all beliefs are facts. Christians have faith in God for those still unanswerable questions in science; atheists have faith that the pursuit of science will eventually answer those questions. Christians have an answer for the beginning of all life; atheists are still searching for that answer. Many atheists think that Christians cop out with a “God of the Gaps” who sets things in motion and only reappears to create miracles when nothing else is explainable. Many Christians believe that God is much more personal and involved than that.

People become Christians or atheists for a variety of reasons. Intellectual snobs and hard-headed hypocrites have often influenced other individual’s belief systems. We all have notions of some kind of a god–capricious Greek gods, demanding, judging, hateful gods, warrior gods, animal gods, distant gods, etc. I realize that some atheists have left behind a notion of God that I, too, would abandon.

The most difficult part of listening to the atheist’s ideas about God regarded the nature of Jesus Christ. He was very pointed in ridiculing a pitiful weak God who could create a universe and then “let himself” be tortured and crucified. That kind of God doesn’t make rational sense. I was saddened by the description, yet my heart was filled with the enormity of the God who loves me and whom I worship. I remembered 1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

I believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh to help correct the misunderstandings about the nature of God and his kingdom. He came as Truth and Light to speak truth to all people. The New Testament is filled with Jesus’ parables regarding the nature of God’s kingdom. The God who spoke the world into existence (Genesis 1, John 1:1-5) also cares to search for one lost sheep, a lost coin, or a runaway son (Luke 15). The God who allows himself to reap the full consequences of evil and die at the hands of his creatures, has never been found in a tomb. He lives to provide humans with the way to be with him eternally. His kingdom doesn’t come from searching with a microscope or a telescope (although those might speak of him), “because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).

I readily admit, I puzzle at the complexity of the universe and I can’t fathom many answers. I still love learning and discovering. I have a lot of respect for a God who is much greater than my mind. I am thrilled with a God who is so intimate and powerful that he can reside within all who adore him (John 14:15-18)– a God who says we are his friends, (John 15:14, 15).

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. What are some reasons that people may choose to become Christians or atheists?
2. Do you believe that a Christian can also be a rational person?

Karen Sproul writes from Orlando, Florida.

The post Beliefs and Facts appeared first on Answers for Me.

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Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Answers for Me.

Attention, Please

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Several times this week I have asked for opinions on the appropriate response to the practice of texting messages during church services and small group meetings–as if many of us aren’t already totally vexed with those who indulge in cell phone usage while driving on highways. My last two worship experiences were distracted due to members next to or near me who numerous times turned on their phones to check messages and send texts. I am one who is easily distracted visually, and the screen light from current technology is something that I cannot ignore. I attempt to re-focus and look ahead or re-join a conversation, talk sternly to myself or pray. I realize this may be a sign of my own lack of sustained attention. However, I see it as another symptom of poor brain hygiene in society at large.

By brain hygiene, I mean disciplining oneself to be mindful — to be as present as possible while with another person or situation, worshipping, etc. Paying attention for more than a sound bite or the video length between commercials. Women are especially talented at multitasking, and the pride in having the longest dovetailing checklist can be a personal or social competition; perhaps even a chemical rush from attending to several functions at once. Yet studies have shown that trying to attend to more than two activities at once produces very poor results. Some of my cooking can attest to that. I am also embarrassed to admit that I am guilty of talking to a family member on the phone while sorting or folding, or even checking my e-mail. Technology is the supreme enabler for multitasking.

I have noticed mothers pushing strollers in my neighborhood while they talk on cell phones. The baby or toddler is no longer the object of attention with meaningful observations that contribute to their learning words for passing places or the rhythm of conservation. Even a baby may early start to feel, “What am I, chopped liver?” I can feel invisible on my neighborhood walks when those on the sidewalk have their ears plugged with ear buds. Could they hear me say “Hello,” or scream if I needed help? Then there are the restaurant or doctor office phone conversations that are extremely loud, way too personal or involve business deals. Yuck. My all-time-least favorite are cell phone conversations in restroom stalls.

There has been a lot of discussion about the loss of civility in the world. Certainly respect for the thoughts, words, and presence of other human beings is part of that larger dilemma. A whole world exists outside the invisible bubble that we pretend protects us and allows for phone reception. Then isolation occurs as we move around in large groups of people and we wonder at the intensity of our loneliness.

You may hear or see this on a phone application. For that and other technology, I can be truly thankful. I am just asking for us to consider becoming more fully present — eye contact and heart content. I think Jesus understood this when He said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other. or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24 NIV). The description of Laodicea, the lukewarm people in Revelation 3, may fit much of post-modern life.

Was that a distant trumpet or my e-mail ping?

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. How would you recommend handling distracting technology in a small group setting or during worship?

2. Find a time each day when you can totally focus on a friend or loved one for at least five minutes. Sit facing each other and talk about your day or what you appreciate about your relationship. At the end of a week, what has happened to your feelings about that person/people?

Karen Spruill writes from Orlando, Florida.

The post Attention, Please appeared first on Answers for Me.

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Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Answers for Me.

Messages from … ?

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One day while I was scrolling through Facebook postings, a cousin asked friends a question: Do you believe that you can receive messages from loved ones who have passed on? I knew that she had recently posted a message directed to her from a popular psychic, using the name of a dead relative. Previously this cousin had frequently posted items about missing her mother so I knew she was still grieving the loss of parents.

I wanted to share my beliefs with this cousin whom I remembered as a darling little girl when I was a teenager. We had only gotten reacquainted as adults during the funerals of my own parents so I decided to stay in touch. A lot had happened over the years since she was a child— marriages, children, illnesses, loss. I really wasn’t certain what she had been taught or believed. However, I chose to address her as someone who believed in God and had some exposure to the Bible.

So I carefully thought of a response, not only for my cousin but for all who might want to believe that dead relatives can reach out to them. I know that it can seem like a great comfort to have contact again from someone that you greatly miss—their voice, sight, smell, laugh, favorite foods and music. Just to be able to be with them again! And sometimes those wishes are wrapped up in guilt about missed chances to say goodbye or ask forgiveness, or desires for answers to questions.

A lot of people just aren’t sure about what happens when someone dies. I’ve thought about it more after the deaths of my parents. Many of us can’t abide by the thought that a life is over and that’s all there is—for our loved ones or for ourselves! We certainly don’t like to think about what happens in the grave or cremation.

During my lifetime I have accepted that the character of God is one of love, compassion and grace. He always has our best interest, and he is a good God. I believe God would not design that those who have died be doomed to view the suffering and pain of their descendents for centuries (?). Likewise, that those left alive would have to continually wonder if they were being watched by their dead friends and family members. (I once had a neighbor who wondered if her father was watching her use the bathroom!).

I accept that there are many interpretations for passages and stories in the Bible. However, the clearest picture I have of God is revealed in Jesus Christ on the Cross, and his hope-filled resurrection. The book of John is one of my favorites in the Bible, with lots of quotes from Jesus. I think Jesus is pretty clear about the afterlife as he spoke to his disciples in John 14:1-3 (NIV): “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

I also like the encouragement about Jesus’ coming as offered in I Thessalonians 4:13-18, and the resurrection in I Corinthians 15:50-56.

Jesus will return to get those who have trusted in him. In the meantime, death is a whole person rest in him. And since I believe in a cosmic battle between God and Satan, there may be spirit impersonators of those who have died. All of that can be distracting from the basis for our eternal salvation in a trusting relationship with Jesus Christ. What is the fruit of the supposed messages or visits? Do they encourage greater reliance on God and looking to him for faith and direction? Or is there greater dependence on intermediaries, choiceless directions, fear, and confusion? Some people spend lots of money seeking responses from their dead—money that could benefit the living.

Throughout the New Testament, there are many words of “Do not fear.” God wants us to be at peace about what happens after we die. He is fair, just, loving and forgiving. “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

  1. What troubles you the most about what will happen after death?
  2. How would you evaluate a message from a dead relative or friend?

Karen Spruill writes from Florida

The post Messages from … ? appeared first on Answers for Me.

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Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Answers for Me.

Beware the Vegan Nazis

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During a retreat time together, a group of my women friends started discussing nutrition. We had been dividing meal preparation for a few days and were aware of some of our group members’ food choices. One person was almost a vegetarian, one avoided sugar, one was a fan of a protein-rich diet, and I was somewhere in the “dabble in almond-meal recipes but still require dark chocolate and wild salmon” zone. Several people wandered into the sanctity of the “only calories count” discussion.

As the protein/paleo member recounted her research on saturated fat, she talked about problems in her progressive community. During the spring Earth Day activities, a nearby health fair became dominated by vegan advocates. The vegans wouldn’t allow representatives from any group that ate or used animal products. My grass-fed beef friend was disturbed that such people wielded so much power and still refused to listen to science data and hard facts. These were people who often considered tolerance in other areas of life. Will they publicly shun or ban commerce with anyone wearing leather, eating at steak restaurants or keeping chickens? Will they go so far as to soon demand that all domestic animals and pets be returned to the wild?

We all shared concerns about the anxiety and fear that seems to provide the basis for much of post-modern nutrition militia. I am aware that food is one area of personal control. Some people restrict food in an effort to exert the only control they seem to possess. Some people eat to fill emotional emptiness, boredom or soothe loss. People can channel their personal anxiety into vegetarianism or caveman diets with equal unbalance. When aspects of the internal or external world seems doomed to failure or threat, food can become a comforting addiction or a sustainable distraction. Perhaps even the symptom of a loss of faith.

It’s a natural desire to share a food plan or diet that has resulted in exhilarating weight loss or improved health. Others may welcome our knowledge and experience as enriching and healing. Or they may find their own answers for their bodies and families. We often want to find more of “our people,” that enjoy a similar worldview. However, when our choices result in a critical self-righteous attitude presented with great fervor–we lose friends and credibility. The underlying message seems to be that dietary noncompliance means you are “less than” or ignorant. Most of us over the age of 50 have lived long enough to remember the debunking of many diets, products, and medications during our lifetimes. Something may help you function at age 25 but not at age 60.

When nutrition and food is combined with religion or spirituality, the outcome for relationships seem to extend into eternity. So we get concerned or preachy. Those of us who believe that our bodies are a gift and not a mistake, get serious about stewardship. We also appreciate that the body and spirit are a holistic unit. Yet a good helping of humility seems wise in a time of burgeoning science regarding individual metabolism, genetics and culture. The Creator has blessed us with a great capacity for uniqueness and ways to respond to him.

Being “right” may be unsustainable–ultimately leading to a table for one.

Karen Spruill writes from Orlando, Florida.

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. Find the video of “Babette’s Feast” (1987), and watch with a friend or group for discussion.

2. Read Deuteronomy 14:1-21. What do you see as the principles of good health behind God’s nutrition instructions to the Israelites? How might culture have impacted God’s words to them?

Written by Karen Spruill

The post Beware the Vegan Nazis appeared first on Answers for Me.

Read more at the source: Beware the Vegan Nazis

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Answers for Me.

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