October 2020

My heart hurts. It’s not from the normal wear and tear of life, but rather from what I am seeing around me.  Constant bickering, complaining, and arguing.  As Tom would say, “Even the Cooking Channel has Cupcake Wars these days.”
 
I don’t know who is right, but I am SURE that we are all wrong in some way.  That is our human condition.  We are broken and sinful and we all fall short of the glory of God. Yep. No matter how much we pretend, none of us have it totally together, none of us are perfect, and, no matter how hard we try, we are bias in our version of who and what is best.  Seemingly more than ever, we, individually and collectively, are in the midst of cultural chaos.
 
I was on my way home from the pool earlier this week and as I looked at the truck in the lane next to me, it had INDWELL printed on the side.  It’s the name of an architectural company but it made me think.  And then, it hit me. God is indwelling me.  Everything is swirling around me, but I have the ticket!  I have the God of the universe, the One and ONLY, the great I AM indwelling me.  I’ve known this since God saved me 16 years ago, but now, in this season, in this chaos, being reminded anew is HUGE.  I need Him AND I have Him indwelling me.  I can call on Him when I am anxious, when I am concerned, when I just simply don’t know what is next.
 
Tom did a great lesson on Daniel and how we should respond as His children to a culture that is out of control.   

How about if we rise above our mess and do what Jesus would have us to do? “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).  Would you be willing to step out in faith and show love, compassion, and care for others by serving them?  Will you pray for His guidance and act in a way that reflects His set of norms – His values, His love, His servant leadership?

Even the smallest thing – a smile, a phone call, an apology, a text, a note telling someone how much you appreciate them - will make a difference. I know you can do it, because He indwells you too.  Start today.

And remember, your faith IS your greatest asset – especially in today’s times.