Christian Votes

I have been pondering the atmosphere among Christians over this election. Every believer I know has said they have prayed and sought God for who to cast their vote toward. This is very good. I am only slightly confused by the fact that we, as a body, are not all voting for the same things.

Why would God lead some to vote for (or against) one candidate and others to vote for (or against) the other? In my thinking, it seemed that my sisters and brothers in Christ were either not hearing from God, or that He was doing a mysterious mix-up letting us all know that we are not in charge. This intrigued me and so I asked God to enlighten me.

God's response to my inquiry was not a new one to me. He simply said He was more concerned with His relationship with His followers. Do we trust Him? Will we obey even if it seems so wrong? So, it seems to me that if we really are seeking God, trusting Him, and wanting to obey whatever He says, it is possible for it to be very different for each of us.

I believe God is getting His church ready for the days ahead when we must trust and obey without question. He knows our individual hearts. He knows how to test our commitment to follow Him, not our own understanding of Him. If we truly desire to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, lean not on our own understanding, acknowledge Him in all we do and let Him direct our paths, then we may mysteriously be called to do something we consider as going against our beliefs. (see Proverbs 3:5) Our faith must grow stronger. Our faith must stand on the solid rock, the one who created the earth and all that is in it.

The church has shown the world some ungodly things this election season as we accused and belittled our brothers and sisters for acting differently than what we think they should. God is more concerned about our relationship with Him and believing Him over all the voices in the world. It is up to us as individuals to check ourselves. We must sort out our own choices over our obedience to God. It is not for me to tell others what God has said to them.


Sovereign God, You are King over all. It is to You I submit. I trust You because You love perfectly. You keep all of your promises.I agree that it would be very difficult for me to vote for someone I believe is so far from You, but like Abraham who was called to sacrifice Issac, I want to obey in faith. I choose to believe that You will raise up the person we need at this time. I go to the polls today submitting my will to You. Help my faith to grow strong. Help me to be a light that shines for You and You alone. Help us all as Your church to bring love to the world. Let the world know we are Christians by our love! Amen

Storm Warnings

It is not often we get plenty of warning for a storm that comes into our lives. Hurricane Matthew is giving Florida a warning. Will we heed the signs?

Meteorologists are amazing in how they can predict the weather, but they can be surprised just like the rest of us. They give us a wide margin of impact for hurricanes and most of the time we shrug them off. That can be dangerous. If we do not prepare we can be stunned with the impact of a storm that does not do the expected.

The same is true in life. So many times we make decisions that become storms. We can guess where those decisions might head but if we do not take action to weather the storm we created or take measures to move to another track, we can face disaster.
It seems to me that every day I wake up to possible storms looming on the horizon. Thoughts that take me down the wrong road, habits that are detrimental, making wrong decisions, or just being near to those who are in a storm can flood me with inner or outer turmoil. Each day is a day to prepare and pray.

God has been so helpful in giving us access to His armor that prepares and protects us. Our helmet of salvation, when used wisely, protects our thoughts. Our salvation assures us that God is good. He is perfect love. We wear the breastplate of righteousness over our hearts. It is not our righteousness that protects us, but Jesus’ perfectly lived life. We place truth around us and choose to put on truth that makes our armor secure. We stand firm with the Gospel of Peace. We cannot be moved from the place of peace even while we are ready to fight the enemy. Our sword is God’s Word. It is powerful and mighty to bring down strongholds. Our faith is our shield that puts out fiery darts aimed at us. We believe in God so we do not fall prey to the enemy’s lies. Every storm can be weathered in victory when we are protected by God’s armor.


Almighty and most powerful God, You have walked through the storms and calmed the seas. You are our Prince of Peace. I ask your forgiveness for the times I fail to prepare with Your gifts for the storms of life. Thank You for the grace that sees me through in all my storms. Open my eyes to the power you give me. I believe You are good all of the time. Amen.

Grief has Changed Me

Grief has changed me. Over my lifetime I have been touched by grief of different kinds. Some sorrows came about from deaths of loved ones. The loss of a dream or even a cherished item has caused me sadness. I was changed in each circumstance.

My most recent season of grief has been for my brother and my friend. Others may not understand the deep mourning I have over the loss of these loved ones. In this time of sorrow, I know God is still good, and I know He is still present to me. But it seems that a dark cloud stands between His light and me. No matter how hard I try to push past the cloud of darkness, I only become engulfed by its confusion and pain. I am weary of the battle and so I call for help.

I am connecting with others who are seeking the light and together we are calling out to God to break away the cloud of grief through GriefShare. My prayer is that I will soon see the light shine on me fully.

Grief and sadness made me more compassionate, merciful and kinder to others. I have also learned to trust God more fully even if not perfectly. I know He is always with me and my faith has grown to know that He is good in every circumstance. Yes, grief has changed me.

Father, You, too, know grief. You understand and I am so grateful that You will help all who call on You in their time of sorrow. Forgive us when we fail to see Your goodness. Thank You for Your patient kindness. Let us see the light of life fully because we trust You to breathe on us the power of Your Holy Spirit to walk each day knowing You are faithful and will always be there for us.


His Faithfulness


His faithfulness
reaches to the heavens of
the entire universe and
holds the fiery stars
in place.
Though my eye fail to see
past the brilliance of the sun,
His faithfulness
maintains the stars as they
await shadows that unveil the
truth in whom
I can put my trust.

His faithfulness
knit me together in
my mothers’ womb and
holds my frail life
in place.
Though my eye fail to see
my inner workings,
His faithfulness
breathes breath into me and
my very life reveals the
truth in whom
I can put my trust.

His faithfulness
speaks a promise through
His word and
holds my eternity
in place.
Though my eye fail to see
the future,
His faithfulness
is trustworthy and
someday I will see the
truth and Him in whom
I have put my trust.


Carolynn J. Scully ©2011

Lovely Feet

The rain was coming down in buckets. I waited for it to let up and hoped that the life group meeting would be cancelled. Patrick was working late at school so I was alone in this adventure. Minutes before the meeting, there was still no change of plans, either from God’s weather or our group leader’s choice for the meeting, so I went.

Rain continued to pour down hard as I parked the car near their mailbox at the end of the driveway. I opened the door just enough to poke my umbrella through and pop it open. I still got wet. The umbrella shielded some of me as I reached into the back seat for my bible and the platter of veggies I had brought for the dinner. Thunder and lightning made me hurry my pace all the while trying to be careful not to drop the umbrella, my keys, bible or the food.

Around the front of the car, the gutter was over flowing with water. It was not muddy, but it was wider than I could jump, especially with hands filled. The water crept up the drive and also out into the street. So I looked for another way. I thought that the grass might have soaked in some of the water so I decided to tiptoe around the grass to higher ground. That was a mistake! The umbrella hit the mailbox and went askew! I grabbed for it and everything else in my hands. I just barely held on. Meanwhile, I had stepped into mud that had soaked my shoe and about six inches of my pant leg. ARG!

On the doorstep, I was met with helping hands to grab my belongings, but I didn’t want to enter the house with muddy feet. I asked my friend for some paper towels. She ran to retrieve her supplies. I slipped off my shoes when she handed me the towels and I went to work cleaning them off. She bent down and began to wipe my feet! She carefully held my foot in her hand and wiped it free of the wet dirt clinging there. A picture of another foot washing came to my mind and I felt so humbled. She wiped my foot and scrubbed away the mud from my pants. I told her she didn’t need to but she said quietly and simply that she didn’t mind.

This dear woman of God is a humble servant. She could have simply handed me the cleaning supplies and let me clean up while she helped others get ready for our dinner. She kept apologizing, too. Why? She had done nothing wrong. I had made the mistake. I made the mess and yet she was cleaning it up.

I learned a big lesson that night: Humility flows from both parties when feet are being washed. I had to humble myself to admit my mistake, but also to let someone else make it right. My friend saw a need and without question or judgment she bowed down in humility to help. I also saw in her that Jesus, too, is sorry we are in the mess we make by our sin.

I am not sure I expected the response I got from my muddied feet. Yes, I was surprised. This humble woman revealed no fear that I would muddy her floor, but I might have expected her to in this day of the material being more important than people. I was her main concern, not her floor, not the wasted time, not even her own image.

Jesus may not call us to physically wash each other’s feet, but He does expect His followers to have the same attitude He has and that my friend demonstrated so beautifully.

John 13:12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Isaiah 52:7 How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Father, You and Your Son, Jesus, have shown us the way of humility. You have walked before us and ask us to follow Your example. Please forgive us when we hang on to our pride. Forgive us for thinking too much of ourselves. Thank You for caring enough to wash away the dirt from living in sin. Give us humble hearts to show Your love to all people. Amen.

God's Choice

Some may say that I have a lot of experience in voting. Well, I have voted every time a ballot was set before me so that may qualify me, but even with years of experience, I am still baffled about who I should place my vote in this upcoming election. This blog is not really about the election, nor am I endorsing any candidate. This blog is only about my thoughts as I determine who I should choose.

I am proud to be an American! I take seriously the responsibility of citizenship. My right to vote is not something I take lightly. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I believe I must be the best citizen possible and remain true to the values I hold dear. This campaign season has put these convictions to the test for me.

In my opinion, it is not wise to listen to news commentators because they often get the story wrong or leave out important parts. I also do not take much stock in the advertisements and junk mail that bombards me with only what the individual wants me to hear. I do take into account the actual words of the candidate IF it is not a "sound bite" because things are often taken out of context. So how can I decide the best man or woman to lead our country and place his or her mark on our lives for generations to come?

I have been relying on prayer more than ever. I listen to God's voice and sometimes He surprises me with His wisdom.

A few weeks ago I was in prayer about the candidates and names from bible stories kept coming to me. Peter was an outspoken , bombastic, foot-in-the-mouth kind of guy. He said so many things wrong, but Jesus considered him a strong leader even changing his name to reflect that. Moses ran away when trouble appeared for him in Egypt and when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt he tried to tell God he wasn't able to make speeches. David was an adulterer and murderer and yet, God said he was a man after his own heart. The only thing Esther had going for her was her beauty and her love of God's people, so God used her at a special time of their history. Paul imprisoned and killed Christians because of his religious fervor and then he was entrusted to take the Gospel to the world. I could go on and on with names of imperfect, in fact, downright sinners who God used to lead and direct His people. The common thread with all these sinners was that they believed in God.

The lesson I came away from my prayer time that day was: Would I obey God in voting for His choice, not my own? I also had to ask myself if I would vote out of obedience to God even if both choices were not, in my opinion, worthy of the office? I also had to not look at the faults of the person. I also was impressed not to look at only the present, but to seek the person who professes a faith in the God of the bible, even though imperfect, that would make decisions that will allow the kingdom of God to grow.

I am still seeking, listening and praying.

Sovereign God, my Father, I know that You hold all government in Your hands. I confess that I have sometimes looked to a man to fix our country's problems instead of You. Forgive me. Thank You for showing me a greater purpose for my participation in this election. Thank You for using anyone who is willing to follow You. Move Your people to obey Your voice as we seek a leader for our beloved U.S.A.

God's Garden

I see so many beautiful, wonderful, accomplished and caring pictures of people my friends love here on FB! This reminds me of a beautiful garden. Each flower/person is unique. Each one is different in shape, scent, and color. Some may have thorns or prickly stems. some may have deep roots, others shallow. Some are considered weeds to others. Some act like they are better than the others. some are complicated, some are simple. Oh, such a wonderful variety!

The point is that I think the most beautiful gardens are the ones with all of us together, side by side, being the best of our unique selves and making room for others. I also think that this is the kind of garden that delights our Creator God.

I think we must remember that the pictures of people are not all that they are. Thier outward appearance is not the only thing that God sees. He sees our hearts (yes, all of our hearts.) His garden is one that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also to the heart. He cares for all and places us in the place we belong. It may be in the sunshine or the shadows.

Our only purpose is to please Him.

Holy Gardener, Good Father, Great Creator, You are our only purpose for being. You have given us so much and we have lost sight of who we are in Your eyes. Forgive us for our arrogance. Thank You for making each of us different and putting us side by side so our differences would shine. Teach us Lord to recognize You for who You are and ourselves and others for who You created them to be. We need You to pour out Your living water over us because it is only in You that we can be all we were meant to be.

Discovery

Discovery

Grandlady Abi has always been scared of bugs. She would scream, cry and run away from the sight of a creepy crawly or a buzzing bomber. Lately, however, she has surprised us all with her fascination for all kinds of crawling bugs. Rolly pollys and centipedes are hunted down and collected by hand into containers. She watches them with a studious gaze and reports in great detail to any listening ear. Though Abi has always loved animals, this new discovery of the smallest of God’s creatures is amazing to watch. She is learning about herself and about the wonders of insect life.

Eugene Cernan was the astronaut chosen to leave the last footprint on the surface of the moon. I watched a documentary about him that unraveled the story of his journey through the space program and beyond, but it also told the personal side of life. The movie was informative and moving. He grew from a simple farm boy, to fighter pilot, to an astronaut, to only one of twelve men to walk on the moon.

The last trip to the moon was a mission to bring back moon rocks and explore as much of the landscape as possible via the Lunar Rover. The video from that day of discovery was so much fun to watch! “Gene” Cernan was having a great time on the moon. It seemed as if he frolicked and played while attending to his duties. He saw the handiwork of God and was amazed. I was having fun watching him. As he approached the LEM to leave the moon, he stopped to write his daughter’s initials in the moon dust. It would still be a long journey for him to learn about himself and the wonders of our world.

Exploration and discovery are the themes of these two stories. Each was learning and discovering things in a new way. In the same way, I was discovering something about God. I could sense His delight as He watched His children uncover the mysteries of the world He created just for us! He was watching Abi and “Gene” immersing themselves in the pleasure of the moment and I am sure He smiled!
I know that there is much more to discover. What can I uncover today about God? Myself? Creation? The list can go on for eternity! Yes, I think I will need a place where there is no end where my spirit, soul and body can experience the glory of the Lord!

Good Father, You are timeless and endless in discovery! I have too often remained in my shell where I feel safe. Forgive me for not looking far where I can be enticed to search for more of You! Thank You for making the world a place of amazing lessons. I want to be an explorer who reaches far beyond myself and touches you! Amen.