Glory Glimpse: CAPTAIN

Today, our journey through names of our Triune God provides us a glimpse from the angelic perspective.  Found in both the Old and New Testaments, Christ’s title of Captain opens new vistas for the believer!  

We first encounter the name with Joshua.  As he prepared for the battle of Jericho, Joshua encountered the pre-incarnate Christ:

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.  Joshua 5:14-15

Earthly battles can cause us to wonder if God is for us or against us.   The Captain’s message to Joshua is important for us to hear:  our battles are actually the holy ground of eternal purposes.  Scripture continually reiterates that God is for us—there is no doubt of that.  Recognizing that Jesus is the Captain of the Angel Armies will not only bolster our courage for life’s battles, it places those battles back in their proper realm.  God’s purposes are the focus of the Captain.  Lining up under the authority of the Captain assures victory!

As we consider Christ’s role as Captain of the Angel Armies, our hearts will sing with the angels as we ‘look’ at the birth of Christ.  The incomprehensible truth of the leader of angels accepting the vulnerability and limitations of a helpless human infant awes my mind!  No wonder the angels ‘long to look into’ this matter of salvation—it must have confounded them to see the length their holy, all-powerful leader would go to for the redemption of rebellious humanity.

With the New Testament context of the title of Captain, the picture of Christ as our Captain grows even richer:  

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  Hebrews 2:10

The Captain of the Angel Armies is Captain of our Salvation!  The all-powerful leader of the angels, the Creator and Sustainer of all, voluntarily suffered to restore fallen humanity to glory.  The reality of the Captain’s humble submission to suffering for me reveals the love of God in a special way.  As Captain, Jesus commands the powers of heaven to act on our behalf to assure the victorious completion of the Father’s will!  

If you are enjoying this journey, there are two formats of these devotions on Amazon. You can find one here: Alphabet of Names

Glory Glimpse: BEARER of SINS

While not an official name, ‘Bearer of Sins’ is a title for Christ that is of critical importance to every Christian.  Mulling over its significances blesses!  It is the entry point to salvation, and it is the key to growing in the likeness of Christ.  

Accountability for sin is a constant in Scripture.  Throughout the Levitical laws, the phrase ‘he shall bear his iniquity’ peppers the text.  Even the laws regarding the Priest’s handling of the sin offering bear witness to the crucial responsibilities associated with sin bearing.   That accountability and responsibility never wanes.  No Christian ever matures beyond a daily need for Christ to bear our sins–for everything not of faith is sin.  No one can bear the weight of their own sin—or the sins of others.  Everyone needs the help of the Bearer of Sins:  Jesus Christ.  

In the “ABCs” of salvation, admitting the sin nature is step one.  For many long-time Christians, the reality of being a ‘sinner’ dims after the initial confession.  It becomes an issue settled at the cross rather than a daily reality.  As the years go by and external obedience becomes easier, the magnitude of our sins diminishes—in our own eyes only.  We become complacent with our way of life and tragically fail to place sins we are accountable for upon the Bearer of Sins.

Those deeper, hidden sins of the heart do not weigh on our consciousness as they should.  The doubts and fears we allow to cloud our view of the Sovereign, Holy Father are sin.  The resentments we allow to grow and separate us from others are sin.  The prideful plans and assumption of individual rights that we substitute for God’s plans are sins.  Only the Holy Spirit can illumine the sins we protect in the deep recesses of our hearts.  Those are the sins we need to hand over to the Bearer of Sins so that the Spirit can bring life—to others and us!

Death is the result of sin bearing.  Every sin we hold onto—instead of placing it upon Jesus–prevents true life from reigning in us.  Seeing Christ as Bearer of Sins brings life to others and ourselves.

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.  Hebrews 9:28

As we contemplate the magnificence of Christ’s role as the Bearer of Sins, let us ask the Spirit to reveal those hidden sins.  Then, let us we rejoice in handing them over to Him and watching as Life bursts forth!

If you are enjoying this journey, there are two formats of these devotions on Amazon. You can find one here: Alphabet of Names

Glory Glimpse: AMEN

Our first stop on this Alphabet of Names journey may surprise you, because it’s not often recognized as a name Jesus chose for Himself.  The word “Amen” appears in Scripture over 75 times – both the Old and New Testament – but in Revelation 3:14 Jesus claimed it for Himself! 

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 

Typically we use “Amen” to close our prayers, expressing the concept of “Let it be” — let our requests come to pass. But prayers can be sealed with “amen” only in the Name (character) of Jesus.  Amen in Jesus’ name conveys our full agreement with God’s directives and will – just like Jesus exemplified in His earthly life. That AMEN seals our prayers with a guarantee  (2 Corinthians 1:20) because Jesus is the fulfillment of every revelation of God throughout scripture. He is righteous, holy, loving and perfect. 

Jesus is the expression of God’s “Amen,” the incarnation of God on earth!

Another use of “Amen” is to signify the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God – characteristics also exemplified in Jesus.  The unchanging faithfulness of God is a desperate need in the uncertainties of life.  Only He is worthy of trust—all else disappoints.  Jesus is rightly thought of as the ‘Amen’ in this context as well.  Jesus never leaves us alone; the Amen is our faithful companion!

Finally, Jesus often used ‘amen’ in His own teachings to introduce new revelations of God’s truths.  Used as the name of Christ, Amen reminds us that He is the ultimate revelation of God’s identity.  In the Lord’s prayer (John 17), Jesus says He has finished the work the Father gave Him to do:  revealing the ‘name’ of God.  He used the authority God gave Him to reveal the Father so you and I might have life: “For this is eternal life that they may know you…”  

The Amen is the revelation that brings abundant life!

When we consider Amen as a title, we see a perfection that delights.  Truly, Jesus, the Amen, lets the fullness of God be seen by all. Weaving the varied uses of ‘amen’ together creates a beautiful composite of our Lord.  May each of us take time this week to adore the Amen who reveals God and gives life!

The Secret to a Green Thumb

Have you ever known someone with a “green thumb” – someone with a knack for growing things? A “green thumb” takes a scraggly plant and nurtures it into a healthy, thriving beauty. There are folks who have that same knack with animals. The famous racehorse Seabiscuit was sold as a failure. But he was coaxed into becoming the most winning horse of all time.

The new owner brought out the glory that had always been there!

That’s what Jesus Christ does for everyone who receives Him into their lives. God is the Master Gardener, the quintessential “Green Thumb” – and His grace is what every life needs. It is His kindness, tolerance, and patience that causes our lives to blossom and bear fruit.

Grace is the secret every “green thumb” uses to nurture life to its fullest potential.

The root of the word for grace means “TO REJOICE.” A life nurtured by God’s grace is joy-filled and overflows with grace for others.

Beautiful flower garden by Ankit Panchal is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

DIG DEEPER

We are to GROW in the grace … think of grace as the soil you sink your roots into (2 Peter 3:18). Grace is the undeserved favor of the LORD — a gift that can’t be earned.

Romans 2:4 tells us that God’s GRACE leads us to repentance. We people don’t turn from our sin and selfishness because of condemnation and criticism. We turn because the goodness of God cannot be resisted. We are delivered (saved) by His grace alone (Ephesians 2:8).

Grace meets every need we have. Our neediness increases His presence which produces the rejoicing grace is rooted in. Seek to be more like Jesus who willingly became poor to give us real life (2 Corinthians 8:9). The more grace we receive, the greater the power of God in us (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that produces joy-filled praise in us and others.

PRAYER

Father God, we celebrate the gift of grace that is truly the gift of yourself. The riches of grace are beyond are full comprehension but just a glimpse brightens the darkest of day. Lives nurtured by your generous Spirit of Grace will be strong and fruitful. Help us sink deep roots in You and let Your grace overflow into the lives you plant near us. Meet our needs and fill us with thanksgiving to You so Your Glory will be seen by all. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray, amen.

Finally Becoming Really Real

Let’s continue toward finding “Real Life and Real Love” with the help of the classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit. If you remember, The Skin Horse warned The Rabbit that by the time you are Real, you’re looking pretty shabby. But Rabbit was loved … and in love … and nothing else mattered [until it did]:

"...the little Rabbit was very happy so happy that he never noticed how his beautiful velveteen fur was getting shabbier ... his tail was coming unsewn, and the pink rubbed off his nose [from kisses]."

Love is elusive, and the sweet spot of hearing and feeling love can be addictive. That’s because we are made in the image of God — made to love and be loved. The problem comes in when our first love fails to be all our hopes made it out to be. Only God is truly love. Throughout Scripture God reminds us of this … and it is why the very first commandment is:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

It is not that God fears competition – He knows that if we love anyone or anything more than Him, we will suffer pain. HE is the source of love and eternal life:

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

The happiness of the Rabbit is like human happiness when it seems our dreams have come true. But truth at its core is love — and there is only One who is wholly true. Anything we prefer above God Himself is an empty idol — and an idol is nothing more than a lie that crumbles and destroys all who love(d) it.

The destruction of an idol is horrifically painful. God allows the destruction to happen gradually sometimes — He gently reveals truth if you’re willing to receive it. Our little Velveteen Rabbit glimpsed truth he couldn’t grasp one dusky evening. Lying alone in a field where his beloved boy had left him, he saw two furry creatures like himself — but not exactly. Although he felt really real because of the boy’s love, the movements of the other bunnies — and then their taunts as he ‘refused’ to join them — brought questions to his heart.

“I am Real!” said the little Rabbit. “I am Real! The Boy said so!” And he nearly began to cry.

Soon the Boy took the Rabbit back to his room, and his comfortable illusion of real quieted his heart until scarlet fever shook his world. The storybook portrayal of the Scriptural truth in Hebrews 12:27 — everything that can be shaken will be shaken — captures the heart of our own earth-shaking moments. Declared ‘unclean’ (“a mass of scarlet fever germs”) by the doctor, the Rabbit was consigned to a bag of toys that must be burned.

When the dreams we’ve brought to reality in our strength are exposed as temporal, the depths of despair we feel threaten to swallow our hope and courage. But this is actually the birth pangs of real life!  Only when false hopes are exposed as empty, can truth finally penetrate — and the One who is Truth and Love enters deep within the broken places.

Our little Velveteen Rabbit soon encounters the “nursery magic Fairy” — the one who turns love into life for playthings. Listen to their conversation and ask if you need a similar chat with the One is the source of life and love — creator and sustainer of all that is really real?

“I take care of all the playthings that the children have loved … and turn them into Real.”
“Wasn’t I Real before?” asked the little Rabbit.
“You were Real to the Boy,” the Fairy said, “because he loved you. Now you shall be real to every one.”

Our journey to really real is never based on what someone else says or thinks about us. Real is entering the design God had for you before time began. Real happens when you prefer Life and Love that is really real to the illusions you created.

We are not ‘playthings’ for the world; we are precious treasures of God, beloved by the most High. He does not want us to settle for less. If the Velveteen Rabbit’s story has stirred your heart for more, I encourage you to take in the six-day series, Journey to Abundant Living. Thank you for spending time journeying with me to the heart of God.

Protected on the Rock

Sometimes the highway of life leads us into mountain ranges. From a distance, those mountains inspire awe; they promise breathtaking views — and they lull us with ‘what will be.’  But before you arrive at the peak, the way is hard. The twists and turns demand your focus. The climb exhausts you, the slips rip you up a bit. And at points, your breath is taken away — not by the view but by fear.

Mountains are part of God’s glorious creation — in the natural and the spiritual realm. But what do we do when the mountain feels like it’s crushing us. How do we hold onto the views that inspired us when all we see is heartache and pain?

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels.com

For me, I ask God to show me. If His Word says it, and I can’t feel it, my only option is to go to the author and ask how the ancient truths apply to this moment of time. He is faithful to the revelations He has placed in the Holy Scriptures – and He is faithful to answer those who truly seek to hear Him.

Real truth has to be true all the time: in the now of earth time — and in eternity.

Recently, surrounded by mountains that obscured a clear way forward, I sought some leadership help from Moses. Let me set the stage. Prior to the passage I landed upon, Moses had experienced God in wild and wonderful ways. There had been:

  • his humbling, premature attempt to save God’s people,
  • a few decades in the desert,
  • a burning bush,
  • a clarion call from God to rescue the people now,
  • pharaoh’s increased harshness toward the ones Moses tried to help,
  • God’s dramatic exodus plan,
  • the 10 commandments,
  • the golden calf … and much more

Moses has already seen tremendous highs and lows in his journey with God — and that’s skipping over the amazing story of his birth and rescue. But that’s for another day — another mountain story perhaps.

In the passage I came to, Moses is telling God, “No WAY.” He was responding to God saying, ‘I’ll send an angel with you, but I’m separating myself so I don’t destroy this stiff-necked group.’ Moses wasn’t having any of that. He quickly reminded God ‘these are your people.’ You said you know me, and I have favor with you. I’m not going forward without you.

Here Moses shows us the driving passion we need in this journey to heaven. Too often, we are not only tempted to accept that deal – go ahead without me – we’re eager to do so. 

The truth is we want the goodies without the God. But not Moses. He had already shown his commitment to step away from the crowd to seek God. You see, after the 10 Commandments, Mount Sinai experience, the majority of God’s people had said, ‘You talk to God, we don’t want to – He’s too scary.’

So, Moses met with God outside the camp – face-to-face – after that. Moses knew he needed God to live a fulfilled life and help others to do the same. Moses knew his mission of leading the Israelites was more than work to do, it was fulfilling the desire of God. And more than anything else Moses wanted to know the very essence of the God who called and empowered him to do what was asked. As believers we only fully live when we feel that desperate longing for God.

Once God agrees to be Israel’s constant companion and not just turn them over to an angel, Moses presents a new request. He says, ‘show me your glory.’ Not show us, show ME.

Light pours an opening an by Carol M Highsmith is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Which brings us back to where we started: MOUNTAINS in our lives. You see, Moses knew that leading the Israelites was a mountainous task. He knew he needed a clear view of God Himself. That’s what we need in the mountains of life.

Moses wanted more than miracles and demonstrations of power. He had seen those. He’s begging to know what’s behind the miracles — to understand the heart of God. That kind of desire is a gift from God given only to those who truly delight in Him (Psalm 37:4). Moses already knew that it’s not miracles that change lives — it’s knowing God. And a heart seeking God always finds Him!

When we get in those treacherous, difficult places of life, we need to follow Moses example. And we need to understand God’s response to Moses’ request.

The LORD replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. Exodus 33:19

God said, “My GOODNESS will pass by you.”  Pause for a moment – can you see yourself on your personal mountain and know your Good, all-powerful God is with you. He knows your name – He really cares about you.

Now, listen to God’s description of how you will recognize His goodness: 

‘Watch where I choose to pour out my mercy and compassion.’

To see God’s glory you must look for His goodness — without trying to determine who deserves it or where it should go! Don’t settle for your own definition of goodness or try to box God in to your ideas of how He should act and what He should do on your mountain. Simply EXPECT His mercy and compassion as you nestle close to His side.

But there’s a final important thing to notice. God’s GLORY must be viewed from a safe, prepared place. We human beings are new eternal creations–in old flesh. We are still ‘bent toward sin’ and God’s holiness will destroy anything that is sinful. God told Moses,

Look, stand near me on this rock.

That rock, of course is Jesus Christ. Our Savior who said, “It is finished.” Standing on the rock by God’s side, the LORD’s goodness cushions the hard places. The mountains we’re climbing have already been scaled. The climb is complete, we are called to watch and wait on the promises of God which are “yes and amen” in Christ.

In those hard places, steep climbs, we are not to run ahead, looking back to see God’s face. We are to tuck in by God’s side and let Him shield us with His hand. Safe on the rock, we can gaze out at the mercy and compassion flowing from the all-powerful, holy God.

Sometimes we will call to others with joy, saying, “LOOK! Isn’t He amazing?” Other times, we’ll weep with others saying, “He has to be here. Let’s look together.”

Photo by Ruvim on Pexels.com

It is God alone who can sustain us on this journey, who can empower us to climb the mountains, and enjoy the breathtaking view of His goodness. It’s easy to see the darkness, the shadows, and the deadly pitfalls. We are limited beings and there are limits to what we can see and know here on this earth. What we must remember is that God is good – God is here. Christ has done the hard work – we need to be still and gaze on God’s mercy and compassion – and enjoy the stunning views.

The Cross Still Speaks

I’d heard the call before and was surprised by the stir in my heart and the tears that welled in my eyes. The speaker’s passion and sincerity brought life to her plea.

“Millions are in the valley of decision. Lift up the Cross so they can see the way!”

Speaking to a room full of Christian Writers seeking to hone their wordsmithing skills, Hope’s plea was not about words. She longed for us to raise up a “real” cross — something neighbors would see when they passed our homes.

Home from the conference, I shared the request with my talented husband. He quickly embraced the idea and secured a cross in the peak of our garage. The Cross overlooked our comings and goings — and those of the ones who came to see us. It blessed us to proclaim our faith so clearly.

A few years later we moved to the Bible Belt where crosses are everywhere. But Hope’s plea still resonated in our hearts, so, we planted a cross at the top of our driveway. Sitting atop of a knoll, our old home was a proclamation of history and change. And in our driveway in our one-street town, our front yard was a place where life happened and people shared how God was at work in their lives. Again, the upraised Cross proclaimed the power of faith and sparked conversations of hope.

The years passed, and a desire to downsize moved us to a smaller home in the country on the corner of a well-trafficked road. A little outbuilding facing the road proved to be the perfect place for a large cross. Here, its witness seems to call to strangers.

People we do not know just pop in here. One gentleman stopped to say he had his first kiss under the tree in our front yard. Others have anonymously brought bags of carrots for our old horses. Some bring children asking if they can pet the horse — or one of the ‘abandoned’ cats who have adopted our porch as home.

This week, in the midst of a southern downpour, a drenched, bedraggled man knocked on our door. His car had broken down a mile or more up the road. He had trudged by at least a dozen houses. He had a few miles to go before he would get to his home. But the Cross gave him hope. And his hope did not disappoint. Craig loaded him into the truck and drove him home.

So, friend, perhaps this will help you hear the same call that pierced my heart decades ago — lift up a cross so others will see hope. The Cross still speaks.

Dove Notes: Stalked By the Enemy

Do you ever feel like there’s a malevolent, lurking presence in your life? You should…but you should not fear. Scripture is clear – we have an enemy prowling about seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:18).

Scripture is even clearer that God is more powerful than that enemy (Daniel 6:22; 1 John 4:4; Luke 1:37; Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20). It’s been awhile since I’ve shared a lesson from the animals in my life – but the doves had a visitor this morning. And it reminded me of the TRUTH of our protection in Christ.

Coyote in Winter, Olympic National by U.S. Forest Service (source) is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

In the darkness, the predator had crept up to their cage — enticed by the possibility of an easy catch. But he was mistaken. Our little flock is well-secured … it isn’t the first time an enemy has approached. Double-wire fencing, heavy-duty framing, and daily attention creates a secure place for them.

Unlike us – who are created in the image of God – our doves can’t think that through. They were frightened and unsettled, frantically calling for help. Can you relate to the doves? The symbol of peace — totally distraught, consumed with fear.

Even as children of the most High God, co-heirs with the Prince of Peace, we sometimes forget our Protection. God is faithful to care for us ALWAYS (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Truth not believed is still truth – but we can’t enter the reality of God without exercising faith in Him.

Faith is the evidence of what is NOT SEEN (Hebrews 11:1), and faith must be exercised so it grows stronger than fear. It is vital to know the Word and fix your eyes on Jesus. He is the source of power and of peace. Every promise of God is “YES and amen (let it be)” in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

What promise do you need to find shelter in today? Jesus is the Living Word. God’s promises are always true … shelter yourself inside the eternal, all-powerful Savior.

God will meet your needs. Philippians 4:19

God will provide the power to overcome temptations. 2 Peter 1:4

Jesus gives peace that is bigger than all problems or fears. John 14:27

Forgiveness of sins and the promise of life awaits those who ask. 1 John 1:9

There are various opinions on the number of promises in the Bible – some say around 3500 and others 7500. More important than specifying a number is this: there is nothing you will ever face that cannot be overcome with the help of God. Turn to Him. Trust Him. And step into the abundant life Christ died to give you.

Browse this ‘short list’ of 100 promises from Open Bible. Let God’s Word soak into your fear and transform it to faith. Read the passage the verse belongs to and ask God for wisdom on how to rest in that promise.


Rough Road to Real

This is the third piece in a series aimed to help us find “Real Life and Real Love” with the help of a classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit.

There is a longing in every heart for an elusive ‘something’ we often can’t even define — let alone FIND. The always insightful and articulate, C.S. Lewis puts it this way: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

Let’s continue with the toys of The Velveteen Rabbit to find our way to the real that never disappoints.

The last piece in this series left us with the Skin Horse telling the Rabbit that it’s rough to become real … that those who need to be pampered and comforted will quit before real happens. As Lewis pointed out, we are made for another world – we must not be quitters, but we can’t rely on ourselves. So, what can we do? Seek to know the One in whose image you are created!

Friend, you are made in the image of the Most High God – and real in this world requires a commitment to knowing Him, to finding the Way.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

It is Jesus who calls us to real and empowers us with His Spirit to press on. As the writer of Hebrews said, “we are not those who shrink back… (Hebrews 10:39). But we must realize the road to real is rough, listen in to Skin Horse’s words:

"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby."

How are you feeling today? Shabby? Wobbly? Maybe blind? The dreams you once had are so far away, you can’t see them at all. Take heart. It’s all part of the process. You are here — on purpose and for a purpose. The Sovereign God who made you is truly working all things together for good. Faith in Him is the Way to move forward.

In Williams’ story, the Rabbit’s desire to be real was countered by his desire to look good. We often don’t recognize pride in ourselves. Pride is a deep, deep pit on the journey to real – and all of us fall into it (often many times throughout our journey). It’s a sneaky pit that usually begins with good intentions.

God has placed a longing in our hearts for lives that matter. The world gives us a variety of lists we can begin to work through so we look good. Checklists feel good. We can tick off our accomplishments and revel in our progress. We find comfort in our doing and embrace the lie that our efforts are the key to fulfilling our longing.

For some, the lie draws them to pursue fulfillment in a career. Others seek approval (from others or themselves). Money allures many … the lies, the temptations are unique to each of us. But the Way to real is also The Truth, remember John 14:6?

One path, in particular, deserves a few extra words. The religious path. It is the ultimate “good intention” and its rather smooth in appearance, but its paved by the enemy of our soul, the deceptive angel of light. He persuades us that reading the Bible, praying, saying the right things, and going to church will deliver us to that ethereal place we long for. It’s a lie and reveals a truth about every false path.

The best lies always have a shred of truth. We choose false paths for good reasons…every sin is an attempt to meet a need. Religious performance happens because one seeks Jesus. Workaholics and money lovers often enter those paths for good reasons like caring for loved ones. Failure is NOT final when you’re seeking the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thankfully, every false path (based on a lie) leads to the pit of pride – and ultimately collapses on us.

Our Creator – the One whose image we bear – will not let us be comfortable in lies. The longing will keep pressing on us! The only way to Jesus is love that propels to obedience — even in difficult situations. Every path but love will puff us up instead of building us up. Thankfully, we have a Sovereign God who will put us where we need to be to find His Way … and it’s usually a rough road!

The Bible calls circumstances “the strong hand of God.” And usually, we arrive on the path of life (and truth) through no choice of our own. In the Velveteen Rabbit, our little longing hero found himself pressed into service when the ‘preferred toy’ was missing. Tossed onto the bed of the Boy with the less than affirming words of “He’ll do,” was Rabbit’s doorway to real.

Have you ever been tossed into a spot you really weren’t sure you liked … a spot where you didn’t feel wanted? It’s uncomfortable, and most of us like being in places that aren’t too demanding, places where we feel valued and special. But those aren’t the places that lead us to real. Can you relate to Rabbit’s experience?

“At first he [the rabbit] found it rather uncomfortable, for the Boy hugged him very time, and sometimes, he rolled over on him, and sometimes…he could scarcely breathe.”

Paul said God chooses the lesser things of the world … we don’t like thinking of ourselves as lesser. But the door to real is really low. Humility is the key to kingdom of God. Hard times and rough roads aren’t to destroy us – they are evidence of a loving God calling us to know Him more, to realize both our need and our destiny.

The world portrays love as soft and sweet, ah, but love is rough. Love looks like the Cross. You’ll never get to real without Love. 

All creation, all that is really real,  is the overflow of God Himself – He spoke and things came into being. Getting to know God, who is Love, is the journey to real.

Love is the only all-sufficient power source, but real love is revealed in God, by God –not through the proclamations of Hallmark or self-designed martyrdom.

Love is a way of suffering that is accepted because of HOPE. When we truly know who God is, we find the strength and courage to be loved — and to love. 

There is so much more to see and treasure about the journey to real – will you continue to press on with me? Oh, friend, don’t shrink back – follow along with this Velveteen Heart series and be amazed at what God has planned. Real is worth it!

Finding Out What’s Real

This is the second piece in a series aimed to help us find “Real Life and Real Love” with the help of a classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Did you enjoy childhood? A time of life where the world was exciting and full of possibilities. That is the way it’s supposed to be all throughout our lives, but few enjoy such a reality. God created this world for us to enjoy and to see His glory. Sadly, for many, even childhood is a fearful place of dangers — landmines of explosive anger fill the home, hurtful words create perpetual shame, and broken hearts long for an illusive happiness. Scripture says that longing is placed there by God Himself. It actually is a longing for eternity — for the Creator. And it is a longing God wants to fulfill — to bring to your life! But the journey to “real” is often difficult and dark. Eventually even the best childhoods descend into shadowy paths of confusion. Life scrubs off our illusions of what’s “really splendid,” and we find ourselves like the Velveteen Rabbit discarded and forgotten in the midst of people and events that feel bigger than us–grander than us. All around us, voices declare their worth and superiority. In the cacophony, we begin to wonder – who am I? What can I offer? Why am I here? And then, underneath it all, other questions bubble up … are they even right in what they say? Who do they think they are? If fear incites us to pride, we’ll become cynical and judgmental of others and march off with an attitude like most others. But if we watch for the hand of God, we’ll find people who will help us find our way to the design and plans God has for us (Ephesians 2:10).

“What is REAL?” asked the rabbit one day. “Real … is a thing that happens to you when a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” [answered the Skin Horse].

Countless verses of Scripture assure us that God gives life and personally guides us along the way with a perfect love. But it doesn’t always feel like it. Friends are key to helping us endure the losses, failures, and injuries we encounter on the road of life. For those who hope in the goodness of God, there is even more:

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” Malachi 4:2

All of this life opens the way to eternal treasures. The Apostle Paul described life’s problems (which for him included beatings, jail, betrayals, chronic ill-health) as light and momentary afflictions preparing a lasting glory! (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Faith reframes everything. Let’s eavesdrop again on the nursery conversation in the Velveteen Rabbit.

“Does it [being real] hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt…It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. “

Where are you on your journey to “real?” Perhaps you feel broken or recognize sharp edges keeping you from the fullness of life. Take heart – the Creator really really LOVES you. The journey is long and includes some hurts, but He is faithful. Follow along with this Velveteen Heart series and be amazed at what God has planned. Real is worth it!