The Value of Words

 

I recently read a book called The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It is a story told through letters and emails to and from a woman named Sybil Van Antwerp. It is simply the story of a life. Sybil is in her early 70’s when we enter her correspondence between all sorts of different people in her life: her best friend, brother, customer service, authors, co-workers, neighbors, etc. There are writings about grief and loss, love and family, memories, activities and fears. While reading these forms of writing I began to think about the written word in general and the importance it has in my life.

             Sybil loves writing letters. She recognizes it as a lost art, and makes it a priority in her own life. She also loves reading books. She writes to her best friend fairly often and in most letters back and forth they share with one another what they are currently reading. In turn Sybil also writes to authors. She shares her appreciation of their work, often delving into her understanding of themes and points of view. It was notable that her appreciation of writing went so deep that she desired to thank those who wrote for a living, especially those who wrote books that made an impact.

             I also love to read. I appreciate authors who brilliantly craft words together, describing ordinary things in extraordinary ways. There is a difference between a book that has been written and a book that has been well-written. I appreciate the time it takes someone to write a book. I understand the pouring of one’s soul and the anxiety that can be felt allowing others to read one’s thoughts, ideas and stories. There is a lot of vulnerability that can be left on a page.

             I have been thinking about how much we take reading and writing for granted. So much of our current correspondence is via electronic devices. I am currently typing out thoughts on my laptop. Pushing the delete button is a convenience, and writing this out on the keyboard is much quicker than hand writing. We text back and forth quickly, send a million emails in our jobs and for school activities. We delete even more emails that are just plain junk. Correspondence has changed.

             About a decade ago I visited Edith Wharton’s home in Massachusetts. It is still to this day one of my favorite house tours I’ve ever been on. The grounds were beautiful and reminded me of Downton Abbey, and the walk through the home itself felt like stepping back in time. It was so literary and so fun. I remember standing in Edith’s bedroom and hearing about her writing process. Handwritten pages strewn all over the bed, floor, desk. Chaos in waking up halfway through the day, staying in bed and writing the rest of the day away. Amazingly, turning that chaos eventually into a Pulitzer Prize winner.

             I was talking about some of these things to a friend the other evening and thought about how much more likely I am to go back and read a note or letter someone has written to me, than I am to go back and read a text. Letter writing really is a lost art, and I believe we appreciate receiving a hand-written note so much more because of the rarity. When is the last time you wrote a letter? What recent note have you received that meant something special?

         All of these thoughts about writing, reading, sharing of ideas leads me to consider that our Creator also places such value and importance in the written word. Or should I say written Word. How remarkable that He has given us so many Words to read from, learn by, go back to, encourage with, hope in!

             As I mentioned before, it is amazing to be able to bare one’s soul on the pages of a book or a note. We have the most interconnected, deep, honest, soul-reaching book available. God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Tim 3:16). We are encouraged not to take these words for granted but rather to write them on the tablets of our hearts and hide them in our hearts so we may not sin against God. (Psalm 3:3; Psalm 119:11)

             We think about the written Word of God through history and what a gift we have today. From societies that were illiterate to nations that to this day do not yet have their own language translation. We are a fortunate people. Do we value what we have?

             There is a hint of slowing down when we think about writing a letter or reading a book. Even the act of a quiet time to spend with God in his Word is a moment of our day that goes against the normal pacing. In the busy-ness of our lives, are we willing to value these Words that we have? To prioritize them? To find our answers to the grief and loss, love and family, memories, activities and fears in the place our Savior intended us to discover them?

             Thank you, God, for entrusting us with this gift. Help us to use it, read it, and love it, and to treat it with the value and power and care it deserves. Amen.

 --Sandy Gromacki

I WILL BE WITH YOU

 My daughter Sarah, grandson Ruben, and I flew to Oklahoma City for Easter.  We would be attending the Holy City of the Wichita Mountains Passion Play.  It began in 1925 so this would be their 101st year.  My best friend from college Diana was driving up from Texas to spend Easter with us at Elizabeth's home.  That was the plan.

The flight from Atlanta was unremarkable.  We actually landed a few minutes early.  In pre-landing announcements the attendant announced there were storms in the area.  Nothing unusual in that.  Oklahoma is known for its storms.  But all was about to change.

We loaded our things into Diana's car, excited about the visit.  After we left the airport, the promised storm erupted--floods of rain, thunder vibrating, continual flashes of lightning that seemed as if a strobe light had been activated.  Driving became more difficult for Elizabeth, our designated driver.  Suddenly the sky in front of us lit with eerie green flashes.  Immediately we were pelted with rain and wind and glass.  We had driven directly into the path of a tornado!  Our back window and back side window had blown in,  I leaned over Ruben and Sarah covered both of us.  Above the sound of the storm four adults were praying desperately.  Elizabeth found an on ramp and drove down it, making it to a gas station as the tornado siren wailed.  We brushed off glass as we sprinted for the station.  The car and my luggage were wet and glass-filled. Every seat but one was filled with glass.  You could see by the location of the glass fragments how the wind had swirled in the car.  

I will not try to rehearse our emotions or raw nerves or every detail of the next few hours.  I will tell you that God sent his ministering servants, from the convenience store workers who gave us tape and plastic to cover the windows, to the two men who helped my daughters cover the windows.  One of them even drove home to get tape that he thought would hold the plastic better.  My friend Diana brought me hot tea and gave me her jacket to cover my wet clothes.  My sons-in-law from Atlanta, Georgia, and Fairbanks, Alaska, comforted their wives and tracked the storm for us.

When we finally headed for Elizabeth's again, the storms continued to batter, this time with rain so heavy that now the alerts were sounding for possible flooding.  At 2:00 a.m. we pulled into Elizabeth and Bill's driveway in Cache. 

When the insurance adjuster examined the car several days later, we were amazed.  He  totaled the car.  The ceiling was slashed repeatedly, evidence  of flying shards of glass.  The upholstery also bore slashes, too much damage to repair.

But here is the miracle of April 3rd.  Not one of the five in that car had a scratch or a cut.  There was no blood.  Obvious evidence of glass flying, but noone hurt.

Could God have kept us from the tornado?  Could the storm have missed us completely?  Absolutely.  Instead He chose to say, "Look what I saved you from.  Look what could have happened.  I protect you all the time.  This time I let you have a glimpse of what I protected you from."  I heard Him loud and clear.

In the days since I have pondered His message.  Isaiah 43:2 and 3a says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the Lord, your God."

The night of April 3, 2026, He added, "When you go through the tornado, the wind will not hurt you, the glass will not cut you.  I am the Lord and you are mine."

                                                                ~~Faith Himes Lamb

As God Asks, Do It!

 

 

It is getting close to summer and vacation trips. I usually think about escaping to the beach for summer break. Most probably I think this because I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, which is on the western tip of Long Island, and beaches were available in abundance: Jones Beach, Robert Moses Park, Fire Island, Riis Park. I learned to swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Riis Park. Dad took me out past the breakers, pointed to the lifeguard stand, told me to keep in sight of the stand and stay parallel to the shore, and swim. He also told me to be brave and to try. So, I did!

 Idyllic, yes?!? However, learning to swim is not always easy. As a swimmer, you must learn the rhythm of the waves and how to stay out of the curl as they break. You need to keep your head in the water as you stroke (and breathe away from the incoming swells). You need to build your strength and coordination in both your arms and legs to make forward progress beyond the breakers. It is not jumping up and down in the water after the wave has broken. It is not chasing the ensuing bubbles. It is not simply sleeping in the sun on your towel. Learning to swim takes concerted effort and consistent discipline, and—perhaps—a bit of courage. It is a life-long skill that I enjoy and one that has served me well.

 Teaching students to swim is another matter. Just as my father had to assess my strength and potential skill as a beginning swimmer, lifeguards and teachers must do the same with the beginners they instruct. Continuing progress as a swimmer will require the swimmer to remember the essentials of the skill, practicing them regularly to maintain form and strength, and continuing to take on new challenges courageously.

I do not think it is a stretch to make a comparison from learning a skill to growing in faith and focus as believers. King David knew this; he had lived it before God and his son. David’s instructions to Solomon as he was approaching his death included the basics of living the believing life and the intricacies of the mature Christian life: be courageous (I Kings 2:2), keep the commandments of God (I Kings 2:3); and be disciplined by being faithful (I Kings 2:4).

First, David instructs Solomon to be courageous. “Be thou strong, therefore, and show thyself a man” (vs. 2). Solomon has had the benefit of his father’s example and teaching about the things of God and leading the Children of Israel. He now had to do it –with courage. This courage is moral courage, it is obedience to God, it is spiritual strength and consistency. Keep the charge—the instructions—of the Lord, Solomon. Notice that the instructions for developing and maintaining courage come before the tests Solomon would face as king.

Dad taught me what to expect when swimming beyond the breakers; he stayed with me as I was a beginner; he told me to have courage when I had to swim by myself. God gives us this pattern multiple times in Scripture. Moses tells Joshua, “Only be thou strong and very courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:7,8). Paul tells the Corinthian believers to be “courageous and strong” (I Corinthians 16:13). Face the opposition, continue in your walk with God, stand firm in your faith. “You have overcome the world”! (I John 5:4,5). We can do it as we are brave and remember God Himself is with us.

Second, David speaks to Solomon about God’s instructions that will never change. “Keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep his statues, and his commandments and his judgments” (vs. 3). This is the simplest charge: obey God. It is also a challenge to each of us as we mature in the Lord as we must allow our wills to be obedient to God’s ways and commandments. David uses two important verbs: keep (guard, observe, watch over) God’s commands and to walk (a continuous obedience and ordering of your life) in His ways. David gave Solomon the pattern for consistent living before God as he would face the tests, and the successes, of life.

This is dedicated obedience to the principles of facing the long-term challenges of living the Christian life (or pursuing a sport such as swimming) aids us today. We simply obey. The consequences and rewards are God’s to provide. The author of Hebrews simply states: “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…” (12:1,2). It may not be easy, but we have a Savior interceding for us. We have courage and conviction.

Third, David encouraged Solomon to be faithful in continuing in the truth. “If thy children take heed to their ways, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee a man on the throne of Israel” (vs. 4). God wanted His servant Solomon to be disciplined by being faithful. David reiterates to Solomon that walking – the ordering of one’s thinking and living –in truth is imperative to spiritual success.

Once again, those who have come before us reveal we are strongly reminded to guard our faith, to discipline our living, to consider our choices, and to give the results to God. We each wish to hear from our Savior “well done.” When God asks do not be afraid, remember the disciplines of believing life, and be faithful.

Oh, when considering the analogy to swimming, the water beyond the breakers of the ocean waves provides opportunities to prove oneself. Just do it!

--Janet Hicks

Feeling Less Than

 

(Note: I had this written before this morning’s message by Pastor Love. You’ll see what I mean.)

I hope you’re not like me. I’m not confident in my work. If you’re not, I hope this will be an encouragement to you.

I work with young adults who have had some serious difficulties in their lives. Old patterns create problems in the present and helping them navigate becoming adults can be discouraging. Due to their trouble trusting people, I often struggle to connect with some of them. Sometimes they hurt my feelings, and I wonder why God brought me to this position. I feel less-than capable of doing this job. Many problems have no clear solutions leaving me feeling dumb like I have no critical thinking skills. Sometimes I even feel unnecessary. The work feels unfruitful most of the time. (Poor me!)

There is one benefit in feeling like this: it makes me wholly dependent on God for wisdom, strength, and discernment.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) states: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Did you catch that last phrase? God has good works He prepared ahead of time for us to do. What about the rest of the verse? We are God’s handiwork. He made us in Christ Jesus. He gave us the skills for the good works he has planned for us to do. Of course, we do what we can to hone those skills, but it’s His work, not ours. It’s Christ’s work in us.

Ecclesiastes 3:14 (NIV) states: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him."

I know God brought me to this place to do His good works through me for He is in me, and His plans will not be thwarted. He has given me (and you) the necessary gifts to get the job done. Feelings aside, these are the facts.

Be encouraged today. You matter. You are necessary. Whether you’re changing dirty diapers, caring for an elderly relative, or working in the corporate world, you have been equipped to do your pre-ordained good works by Christ in you. And his works will be done despite our shortcomings. Isn’t that a relief?

joyce hague

The Battle Is Real

 

* I wrote this back in April 2018, eight years ago. I am once again currently teaching this book to my middle school students, so I decided to pull this “out of the archives.”

The classic novel The Hobbit is about a fictional creature named Bilbo Baggins who goes on an adventure to help reclaim a treasure from an evil dragon. He is a very hesitant member of a party of fourteen on a journey that proves very treacherous and challenging. Throughout the journey, as he encounters trolls, wolves, and giant spiders, Bilbo often longs for his comfortable chair back home and a nice meal. The group finally makes it to the Lonely Mountain, the home of the dragon and the immense treasure, and after seeing proof of the treasure there, they excitedly talk about all the gold and jewels. However, the excitement is short-lived as they remember the dragon guarding the treasure. The author Tolkien comments, “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”

As I am teaching this book to my 7^th and 8^th grade English class, I am finding that I am very much like Bilbo Baggins. I like comfort; I’d prefer to stay home and not engage in any adventure that could be frightening. Yet this is where The Hobbit ties in to real life and what the Lord has been teaching me lately. (You’ve been wondering where this is going, right?)

There is a battle raging. There is a dragon afoot.  And I can’t stay in the comfort of my couch and a warm meal, oblivious to the battle or pretending it doesn’t exist. I have been reminded of this as I, along with many women at Grace, am participating in the Bible study on the Armor of God. In this study, Priscilla Shirer is challenging us to open our eyes to the battle, to be on the alert, and to be prepared against the enemy’s attacks. The study centers on Ephesians 6 where the Bible tells us about this battle that we are in, against whom we are fighting, and what we should do about it.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (vs. 11-12)

This is battle language; Paul is warning all believers to stand firm and stay on the alert, realizing that our enemy, though unseen, is very real. This enemy is Satan, along with a host of evil followers. Of the three enemies the Bible tells us about (Satan, the world, and our flesh), Satan is the one I overlook in my personal life. I’m very aware of the sin I battle in the flesh as well as the world’s temptations, but I do not stay on the alert against Satan’s tactics.  Yet I Peter tells us that he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” This is serious. Tolkien’s statement above applies well here: “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”

Recently I was talking to Kelly about some fears I’d been dealing with in my mind that had really overwhelmed me. He gently said, “Amy, that is not God’s voice. That is the enemy; he knows where you’re weak and is attacking you in that area.” Wow; that gave me perspective. I didn’t have to listen to those feelings or fears; I had to fight against them with the truth of God’s Word. Up to that point, I hadn’t seen it as a spiritual attack. Yet, I believe that is what it was. The spiritual forces of evil were battling for my mind, my thoughts, trying to get me to take my eyes off God. We must be on the alert.

Yet, sisters, here is the good news - the best news. God has already won this battle! The dragon knows he will not win. He will be defeated. And in the meantime, as we live in this fallen world and must fight against Satan and his spiritual forces, God has given us armor that works. We too can be victorious! May we be on the alert, arm ourselves for battle, and keep our eyes fixed on the One who always leads us triumphantly in Him.

-- Amy O’Rear

 

Oh, That Men Would Praise the Lord for His Goodness!

 

Recent events both in the world and in the lives of people I know have brought to my attention the lovely life I have. The fact that I enjoy good health, have a working car, can attend interesting events, am able to worship regularly with other believers—all these and more inspire me to thank God over and over for my good life. I know that I did nothing to earn my blessings. Nor did you.

Nor did many people of the world do anything to earn their much-less-enjoyable life. It is true that we can bring illness and disaster upon ourselves by our own foolishness, as noted in Psalm 107:17—“Fools, because of their rebellious way and because of their iniquities, were afflicted.” But just two verses later we read that, when these people cry out to God, He saves them. And sometimes the trouble comes totally unexpected. 

John tells the story of a blind man who was healed by Jesus. The disciples wanted to know “who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” Jesus replied that the man’s blindness was not caused by sin but was “in order that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9: 2-3).

Whatever our lot in life, we should be giving glory to God, both in our private worship and in public testimony. When I was a young girl, I was attending one of those all-day-meeting-and-dinner-on-the-grounds affairs at an old country church in the hills of West Virginia. After our sumptuous picnic lunch (dinner on the grounds), we all met back inside the church for a standing-room-only service. I recall being just inside the door, surrounded by tall people. I could just hear the preacher asking if anyone had a word of testimony for the Lord. Silence. He asked again. More silence. Then the preacher held up his Bible and in a loud voice proclaimed, “The Bible says, ‘Let the redeemed of the LORD say so!”

I didn’t know it then, but now I know that this verse is found in Psalm 107:2. Following that verse are many different situations in which people might call upon God for help. A repeated refrain in the psalm says, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for this goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”

As James reminds us, every good gift comes from God. The Sunday afternoon nap, the rain for the tomatoes you might set out this week, health to get up and get your work done, freedom from war, salvation from deserved punishment. And sometimes the good gift is relief from pain, comfort in a time of war, help in the midst of grief.

Life is full of experiences that we might deem good or bad, but all are opportunities to honor and praise God for his goodness. If you were in church to hear Dima and Maria Kotik, you were surely blessed as I was to hear how God has upheld them in very difficult circumstances. You heard Maria say that she finds help and comfort in praying scripture. These dear people are a wonderful example of those who might be tempted to complain but who praise God instead.

So this week, regardless of what happens to us: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so!

--Sherry Poff

The Dented Cup

 

Sacrifice is counter-cultural. We live in a society that affirms a “me-first” life. Shoving people in line on Black Friday, honking and yelling our way down the street because Grandpa is driving too slow in front of us, ranting and raving about our Amazon delivery being delayed to day three… Even the idea of self care can lead to an expectation of self-first being the most important way of living. I must know what I need When used appropriately, it is good to find rest and reset, but when it becomes idolatry, it leads us away from Christ-likeness. Yet sacrifice is the theme of the gospel for the believer.

We are constantly fighting against self, sin and Satan. All three pulling us and pointing us away from the Living Sacrifice. All three thriving on the moments we turn inward, self centered, prideful. And those choices leading us to times of folly and dissatisfaction and despair. While sacrifice may be counter-cultural, it is in fact Christ cultural and because of His work in our lives, should be the hope of our hearts. 

As a parent, I find my lack of sacrifice to be glaring. The number of things that pull at me the moment I sit down on the couch for the first time of the day: “Mom, this toy needs new batteries.” “Mom, I’m hungry.” “Mom, come look at what I did!” “Can you play a game of knock-out?” The requests go on and on. And all I want to do is live my life, my way. And yes, there are times for the little ones to practice patience, or receive a “no,” but when the little demands on my own time and interest can be answered with love, a sacrifice of time or energy, that goes a long way too. Because we know this to be true: there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

 One of Gavin and my college professors, Dwight Peterson, used to share an illustration in some of his messages. He talked about a time he and his wife had gone out for a fast food meal together. While getting the drinks for the two of them, Dwight grabbed two lids to put on the cups. As he popped them on, he noticed one cup was slightly dented. He went back to the table and moved to hand his wife the dented cup. Immediately convicted about the lack of love this was showing, he switched it and took the dented one for himself. Such a minor, minute detail that would have caused her no harm, and yet he realized the intent of his heart was to provide the better option for himself. Sometimes Gavin and I laugh to each other as we find ourselves reaching for the slightly better option and reference the dented cup. 

All of these are such small examples of sacrifice. Which, again, I believe shows the immensity of the “me-first” lives we live. Today we celebrate Easter. Resurrection Sunday. The celebration of life eternal because of the greatest sacrifice ever made. So, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of this sacrifice:

Romans 5:8 “But God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds are we healed.”

The perfect, righteous Son of God bearing the weight of our sin, fulfilling the punishment of our death, feeling the separation of the Father. Physical, spiritual torment and abuse at the hands of the ones He loves, the ones He created. The sacrifice that freed, gave hope and a future, destroyed guilt and death. Unmatchable, incomparable. And it is with this freedom through sacrifice that we are called to sacrifice for others. To live counter culturally and continue to model Christ in us. Take the dented cup. 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

 --Sandy Gromacki